Aubrey Plaza has captivated audiences with her distinctive blend of deadpan humor, sharp wit, and powerful dramatic performances. From her iconic stint on Parks and Recreation to her critically lauded roles in independent films, Plaza has built an eclectic and successful career that contributes to an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2024. Her wealth reflects years of dedication to diverse creative projects, carefully chosen endorsements, and ventures behind the camera as a producer.

Key Facts About Aubrey Plaza

• Breakout Role: April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
• Major Recent Achievement: Emmy and SAG Award nominations for The White Lotus Season 2
• Filmography Highlights: Emily the Criminal, Black Bear, Safety Not Guaranteed, Happiest Season
• Producing Projects: Co-produced Emily the Criminal, holds stakes in other indie films
• Endorsements: Collaborations with Marc Jacobs, Evian, and A24 merchandise ventures
• Real Estate: Owns a $4.7 million home in Los Angeles
• Personal Life: Married to filmmaker Jeff Baena, with whom she frequently collaborates

Early Life

Born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware, Aubrey Christina Plaza grew up in a multicultural household with Puerto Rican, Irish, and English heritage. The eldest of three daughters, she displayed a love for performance at an early age. Plaza was named after the song “Aubrey,” by the band Bread, which her parents admired.

Plaza attended an all-girls Catholic school before moving to New York to pursue her dream of acting. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2006 with degrees in film and television. During her college years, she honed her comedic skills at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, performing improv and sketch comedy, which later became her signature comedic style.

Despite early setbacks, including a stroke at the age of 20 that temporarily affected her speech and motor functions, Plaza persevered. The experience, though challenging, became a defining moment in her life, instilling resilience and determination that would fuel her career climb.

Career

Plaza’s major breakthrough occurred in 2009 when she was cast as April Ludgate on NBC’s Parks and Recreation alongside Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, and Nick Offerman. Known for her sardonic humor and deadpan delivery, April quickly became one of the show’s standout characters.

Plaza reportedly earned $25,000 to $75,000 per episode during the run of the show, from 2009 to 2015. Her portrayal of April catapulted her into mainstream recognition, making her a household name among comedy fans.

Transition to Film and Leading Roles

Plaza’s film career began alongside her TV success, starting with roles in movies such as Funny People (2009) and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010). She showcased her range with critically acclaimed performances in independent films such as Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) and quirky comedies like The To Do List (2013).

Plaza gained widespread praise for starring in Emily the Criminal (2022), a crime thriller that she also co-produced. Her nuanced performance as a financially strapped woman who enters the world of credit card fraud earned her Independent Spirit Award nominations and cemented her status as a performer capable of carrying serious dramatic roles.

Her talent for blending comedy and drama was further evident in films like Black Bear (2020), where she played an actress unraveling in a surreal and emotionally complex story. Critics lauded her fearless performance, and the movie became a cult favorite.

The White Lotus: A Game-Changer

Plaza recently reached new heights with her role as Harper Spiller on HBO’s award-winning series The White Lotus. Her sharp portrayal of a lawyer navigating strained interpersonal dynamics during a Hawaiian vacation resonated with audiences and critics alike. The role earned her an Outstanding Supporting Actress Emmy nomination and additional accolades at the SAG Awards.

Her work on The White Lotus significantly increased her demand in Hollywood, reportedly leading to pay raises and projects with A-list collaborators, including her upcoming role in Marvel Studios’ Agatha: Darkhold Diaries.

Expanding into Producing and Brand Endorsements

Plaza has successfully expanded her career off-screen, establishing herself as a producer. Her decision to co-produce Emily the Criminal illustrated her entrepreneurial vision, allowing her to partially own the film and benefit from its success.

Through her production company, Plaza continues to explore indie cinema and collaborate with rising directors and writers. She is also involved in high-concept films and series that suit her artistic sensibilities, solidifying her reputation as both a creative force and a savvy investor.

Endorsement Deals and Partnerships

Plaza’s unique personality and offbeat humor have made her a favorite for unconventional marketing campaigns. Brands like Evian, Marc Jacobs, and A24 merchandise have tapped into her quirky charm to appeal to younger, trend-focused audiences. These endorsement deals reportedly bring in six-to-seven-figure sums annually, bolstering her net worth and public visibility.

Real Estate and Assets

Plaza owns an impressive $4.7 million home in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena. The house features minimalist interiors, solar-powered elements, and a lush garden, reflecting Plaza’s environmental and aesthetic considerations. She also rented homes in New York during earlier periods of her acting career, but her move to Los Angeles has allowed her to set up permanent roots in Hollywood.

Personal Life and Interests

Plaza has been married to director and screenwriter Jeff Baena since 2021. The couple has collaborated on multiple projects, including The Little Hours (2017) and the quirky pandemic comedy Spin Me Round (2022). Their professional partnership underscores Plaza’s preference for creative endeavors that also align with her personal life.

Hobbies and Advocacy

Outside of acting and producing, Plaza enjoys writing, having released her first book, The Legend of Wildwood, in 2021—a dark and whimsical children’s story co-written with her creative partner. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness and environmental sustainability, lending her voice to initiatives in those areas.