Aubrey Plaza: The Talented Star You Can't Help But Adore

Aubrey Plaza's Net Worth: Breaking It Down

Alright, let’s talk about Aubrey Plaza. This American actress and comedienne has carved out a pretty impressive career for herself, earning a net worth of $8 million. Aubrey first captured our hearts as the unforgettable April Ludgate on NBC’s "Parks and Recreation." She played this quirky, deadpan intern-turned-assistant, and her character became a fan favorite for that sharp, dry wit of hers. April Ludgate wasn’t just a role—it was a stepping stone that opened doors to a versatile acting career.

But Aubrey didn’t stop at TV. Oh no, she took her talent to the big screen, shining in both indie films and mainstream blockbusters. She wowed audiences with her performance in "Safety Not Guaranteed," where she played a magazine intern caught up in a bizarre investigation. Her range is incredible—she’s been in comedies like "The To Do List" and "Ingrid Goes West," and even dipped into horror with "Child’s Play." Fast forward to 2023, and she was stealing the spotlight again in the second season of HBO’s "The White Lotus," earning heaps of praise from critics and fans alike.

Early Life: The Roots of a Star

Let’s rewind to the beginning. Aubrey Plaza was born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware. Her dad, David, worked as a financial advisor, while her mom, Bernadette, was an attorney. Aubrey is the eldest of three sisters—Natalie and Renee being her younger siblings. Her father is Puerto Rican, and her mother is Irish, giving her a rich cultural background. Both her parents are devout Catholics, and Aubrey grew up in that faith, attending Ursuline Academy, an all-girls Catholic school. She graduated high school in 2002, and it’s during these formative years that her passion for acting really took shape.

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While still in high school, Aubrey got involved with the Wilmington Drama League. That experience lit a fire in her, and she decided to pursue acting seriously. She enrolled at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in film. This education gave her the foundation to take her craft to the next level.

A Career in Full Swing

Aubrey didn’t waste any time after graduation. While still a student at NYU, she landed an internship at Saturday Night Live, which was a golden opportunity for any aspiring comedian. She also joined the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, where she sharpened her sketch comedy and improv skills. At the same time, she was performing at famous New York comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory and The Improv. Aubrey even worked as a page in NBC’s apprenticeship program, giving tours inside the iconic 30 Rockefeller building.

Her early career wasn’t just limited to comedy clubs. Aubrey started appearing in online series like "Terrible Decisions with Ben Schwartz" and "The Jeannie Tate Show." In 2009, she scored a role in "Funny People" alongside Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann. That same year, she landed the role that would define her career—April Ludgate in "Parks and Recreation." This show ran from 2009 to 2015 and was nominated for numerous Emmy Awards. Aubrey’s character was so beloved that she became one of the breakout stars of the series.

Even as "Parks and Recreation" was airing, Aubrey kept busy with other projects. She appeared in films like "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," "Damsels in Distress," and "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You." Then came "Safety Not Guaranteed," where she played Darius Britt, a role that critics adored. The film was groundbreaking, predicting the rise of movies made specifically for streaming platforms. It won awards at the ALMA Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and Sundance Film Festival, among others.

After "Safety Not Guaranteed," Aubrey’s star kept rising. In 2014, she starred in "Life After Beth," which premiered at Sundance. In 2016, she played alongside Anna Kendrick, Zac Efron, and Adam DeVine in "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates." Aubrey also started producing, working on films like "The Little Hours" and "Ingrid Goes West." She even tackled horror with "Child’s Play," a remake of the classic 1988 film. Beyond movies, Aubrey has lent her voice to beloved characters in "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Golan the Insatiable," "The Legend of Korra," and "Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever." She even had a recurring role in FX’s "Legion," where her performance earned her nominations for Best Villain at the MTV Movie Awards and Best Actress at the Imagen Awards.

More recently, Aubrey co-produced and starred in "Black Bear," which premiered at Sundance and earned her critical acclaim. She was nominated for Best Actress at the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards and received an Acting Achievement Award from the Hollywood Critics Association in 2021. She also starred in "Happiest Season," a romantic comedy-drama that critics loved. In 2023, her work on HBO’s "The White Lotus" earned her both an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe Award.

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Personal Life: Triumphs and Challenges

Now, let’s talk about Aubrey’s personal life. When she was just 20 years old and a student at NYU, she suffered a stroke that caused expressive aphasia and temporary paralysis. Despite being unable to speak or write, she recovered remarkably well, partly thanks to her youth. Tragically, she suffered another small stroke while filming "Parks and Recreation," but she bounced back again.

Aubrey briefly dated actor Michael Cera while filming "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" in 2010, but they parted ways amicably after a year and a half. In 2011, she began dating Jeff Baena, a writer, producer, and director. Jeff directed Aubrey in several projects, including "Joshy," "The Little Hours," and "Life After Beth." They tied the knot in 2021, but tragically, Jeff passed away in January 2025, reportedly from suicide. He was only 47, and his loss was devastating for Aubrey.

Real Estate Ventures: Where Does Aubrey Call Home?

In July 2016, Aubrey purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills for $1.6 million. She listed it for sale in August 2022 for $2.25 million and found a buyer within weeks, selling it close to the asking price. In October 2022, she splurged on a new home in the Hollywood Hills, paying $4.7 million. Looks like Aubrey’s got a taste for luxury living!