Aubrey Plaza is going back to where it all started.
During Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special, the former SNL intern and NBC Page came back to 30 Rock to introduce Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard for their performance of Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Indeed, the Parks and Recreation actress’ return to the sketch comedy show after hosting in 2023 marked her first major appearance since her husband Jeff Baena tragically died by suicide last month at 47. She had previously been set to present at the 2025 Golden Globes on Jan. 5, which she missed due to his death two days prior.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Aubrey and Jeff’s family—including mom Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena and stepmother Michele Baena—said in a joint statement at the time. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
And in addition to her SNL family that surrounded her during the sketch comedy show’s golden anniversary celebration—which included Parks and Recreation costar Amy Poehler—many in Hollywood have shared touching tributes to Jeff, including fellow SNL alum Molly Shannon, who frequently collaborated with the director on films like The Little Hours, Spin Me Round and Life After Beth. She shared several photos of the two to her Instagram Jan. 4, captioning the pics with a broken heart emoji.
Adam Pally—who also worked with Jeff on The Little Hours and Life After Beth as well as his 2016 movie Joshy—shared his own moving message, writing on Instagram Jan. 5, “Jeff Baena was a sweet, Jewish boy from Miami. He was a collaborator, a mentor, the scrappiest basketball player with the ugliest jump shot you ever saw.”
“My heart breaks for my friend Aubrey and the Baena family,” he continued, “and for all of us who spent time on his sets or at his house or in his orbit.”
For more of the hosts, cast members and guests that joined Aubrey in celebrating SNL 50 from 30 Rock, keep reading.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Kim Kardashian
Miley Cyrus
Pete Davidson
Dakota Johnson
Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost
Jackie Sandler and Adam Sandler
Kenan Thompson
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Sabrina Carpenter
Meryl Streep
Eddie Murphy
Emma Stone and Dave McCary
Alexander Edwards and Cher
Bad Bunny
Amy Poehler
Tina Fey
Maya Rudolph
Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry Teller
Drew Barrymore
Zahra Rock and Chris Rock
Will Ferrell
Chris Fischer and Amy Schumer
Chris Pine
Kate McKinnon
Sandra Oh
Lauren Miller and Seth Rogen
Nick Jonas
Aidy Bryant
