5 Reasons to Love Aubrey Plaza, Queen of Snark: “I’m Trying to Be Normal, But I Can’t Do It”
The deadpan scene-stealer is keeping busy with new roles in 'Megalopolis' and Marvel's 'Agatha All Along'
Ever since her breakout role on the popular sitcom Parks and Recreation, Aubrey Plaza has been admired for her dry humor and mastery of one-liners. In recent years, the actress’ profile has risen, as she won acclaim for her part in the deliciously dark yet hilarious series The White Lotus, and she’s now busier than ever with three buzzy new projects that represent her considerable range.
In the movie My Old Ass, now in theaters, Plaza shows off her knack for low-key indie comedy, while the much-anticipated Megapolis, coming out later this month, gives her an opportunity to get weird in the passion project of one of our greatest living directors, Francis Ford Coppola. She also has a part in the much-hyped new Marvel series Agatha All Along.
Here are some of the many reasons why we can’t get enough of Aubrey Plaza.
1. Aubrey Plaza has the most delightfully deadpan sense of humor around
Plaza’s wide eyes and spot-on smirk made her a fan favorite on Parks and Recreation, and years later, she remains Hollywood’s reigning queen of deadpan delivery, to the point that compilations of her glorious sarcasm have gone viral. When asked about her beloved talk show appearances, she said, “It’s funny because I’m very nervous before I go on. I don’t have this elaborate performance ready; I’m literally just trying to be normal. But I can’t do it.”
The actress is funny without trying too hard, and that comes through whether she’s on or off the screen. As she admitted, “When I accept a role, and I hear the words ‘We’re going to tailor it to you, because you’re so weird,’ or whatever it is, I’m, like, ‘Don’t do that! I’m an actor! I just want to act!’ The whole point is to play a character. I think people have a real perception of me. But I would also say that I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing. I mean, I’m me. I’m gonna bring myself to every part that I do anyway” — and that’s just what makes her so fun to watch.
2. She has an impressive range
While Plaza is known for being funny, she’s also proven that she’s equally adept at serious roles. She won acclaim for her intense performances in the indie dramas Black Bear (2020) and Emily the Criminal (2022) and said that when it comes to taking on darker parts, “I’m always attracted to things that scare me.”
From broad comedies like Dirty Grandpa (2016) to Christmas movies like Happiest Season (2020) to the aforementioned low-budget dramas to the flashy world of Marvel, Plaza can truly do it all.
3. She’s been open about her stroke at 20
Plaza has spoken openly about the time she had a stroke at just 20 years old, saying, “It was wild. The craziest thing about it ― and kind of the coolest thing about it ― it happened mid-sentence.” Since then, she’s also revealed that she’s had a few transient ischemic attacks, or mini strokes. It’s not easy to speak up about a health scare like that, and in doing so, Plaza has taken away some of the stigma around it and potentially made it easier for women to talk openly about their own medical mysteries.
In true Plaza fashion, she was even able to joke about it, and said, “Every time they asked me how old I was, I would go ‘16, which was the only number I could say. I don’t know why.’ And [my boyfriend] would go, ‘She’s not 16; she’s 20!’”
4. She’s half of a cinematic power couple
In 2021, Plaza married writer and director Jeff Baena, who she’d been dating since 2011. The couple has worked together frequently, with Baena directing her in the films Life After Beth (2014), Joshy (2016), The Little Hours (2017) and Spin Me Round (2022).
Plaza said, “It’s an amazing experience to work with your partner in this way. I’ve worked with Jeff since his first movie. I’ve seen him evolve and I’ve seen him grow. It’s a really special dynamic that we have. It’s challenging at times but it’s also really rewarding to do something together.” Aww!
5. Aubrey Plaza is a true film buff
Many actors don’t watch a lot of movies outside of work, but that’s not true for Plaza. Ever since she was a child, she’s loved film, and she’s said, “I grew up obsessed with Judy Garland.” She also said one of her dream roles would be playing trailblazing ’70s comedy director Elaine May in a biopic, and cited an eclectic variety of classic titles, including A Star Is Born (1954), Opening Night (1977), Scenes From a Marriage (1973), Serial Mom (1994) and A New Leaf (1971), as the films that made he want to act. Clearly, she’s a woman of taste!
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. First For Women does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
