Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aubrey Christina Plaza |
| Age | 42 (as of 2026) |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1984 |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, comedian, writer, producer |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8–10 million |
Aubrey Plaza has carved a unique niche in Hollywood with her deadpan humor, magnetic screen presence, and fearless approach to complex characters. Best known for her iconic role as the apathetic intern April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation, Plaza has evolved into one of the most versatile and compelling performers of her generation. Her ability to blend comedy with dramatic depth has earned her critical acclaim across television, film, and independent cinema.
Early Life and Family Background
Aubrey Christina Plaza was born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware, to parents who were just 19 and 20 years old at the time. Her mother, Bernadette Plaza, is of Irish and English descent (adopted), and later became a successful attorney. Her father, David Plaza, is of Puerto Rican heritage—his father immigrated from Arecibo, Puerto Rico—and works as a financial advisor. Plaza has two younger sisters, Renee and Natalie.
Raised in a working-class household with strong Catholic values, Plaza often speaks about her parents’ incredible work ethic. They held multiple jobs, including at a Wawa convenience store, while attending night school to build better lives for their family. This upbringing instilled in her a sense of ambition and resilience. She has described herself as a shy child who blossomed through community theater, performing improv, and directing one-act plays in Wilmington. She attended the all-girls Ursuline Academy, where she excelled academically and participated actively in drama productions.
At age 16, Plaza represented her school at a youth leadership conference hosted by then-Senator Joe Biden. She worked at a local video store, where she discovered independent films by directors like John Waters, further fueling her passion for storytelling. After graduating high school, she moved to New York City to pursue her dreams.
Education
Plaza studied film and television production at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2006. During her time there, she trained in improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), an experience she has called transformative. She also interned at Saturday Night Live and worked as an NBC page. Tragically, at age 20, she suffered a stroke that temporarily affected her speech (expressive aphasia), but she recovered and channeled the experience into her resilient career mindset.
Career Journey
Plaza’s professional journey began with small roles and improv performances. Her early TV appearances included 30 Rock and web series like The Jeannie Tate Show. She made her feature film debut in Mystery Team (2009) and appeared in Judd Apatow’s Funny People (2009), where she performed actual stand-up to prepare for the role.
Her big break came in 2009 when she was cast as April Ludgate on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. The character—sarcastic, deadpan, and endlessly quotable—became a fan favorite and defined Plaza’s public image. She remained on the show until its finale in 2015, earning praise for her comedic timing and chemistry with the ensemble, including Amy Poehler. The role brought her widespread recognition and a Peabody Award for the series.
Transitioning to film, Plaza starred in Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) alongside Mark Duplass, earning the Breakthrough Performance (Female) award at the Young Hollywood Awards. Other notable early films include Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), The To Do List (2013), Life After Beth (2014, directed by her then-partner Jeff Baena), and Dirty Grandpa (2016).
In 2017, Plaza expanded into producing with *The Little HoursQuick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aubrey Christina Plaza |
| Age | 42 (as of 2026) |
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1984 |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, comedian, writer, producer |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8–10 million |
Aubrey Plaza has carved a unique niche in Hollywood with her deadpan humor, magnetic screen presence, and fearless approach to complex characters. Best known for her iconic role as the apathetic intern April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation, Plaza has evolved into one of the most versatile and compelling performers of her generation. Her ability to blend comedy with dramatic depth has earned her critical acclaim across television, film, and independent cinema.
Early Life and Family Background
Aubrey Christina Plaza was born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware, to parents who were just 19 and 20 years old at the time. Her mother, Bernadette Plaza, is of Irish and English descent (adopted), and later became a successful attorney. Her father, David Plaza, is of Puerto Rican heritage—his father immigrated from Arecibo, Puerto Rico—and works as a financial advisor. Plaza has two younger sisters, Renee and Natalie.
Raised in a working-class household with strong Catholic values, Plaza often speaks about her parents’ incredible work ethic. They held multiple jobs, including at a Wawa convenience store, while attending night school to build better lives for their family. This upbringing instilled in her a sense of ambition and resilience. She has described herself as a shy child who blossomed through community theater, performing improv, and directing one-act plays in Wilmington. She attended the all-girls Ursuline Academy, where she excelled academically and participated actively in drama productions.
At age 16, Plaza represented her school at a youth leadership conference hosted by then-Senator Joe Biden. She worked at a local video store, where she discovered independent films by directors like John Waters, further fueling her passion for storytelling. After graduating high school, she moved to New York City to pursue her dreams.
Education
Plaza studied film and television production at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2006. During her time there, she trained in improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), an experience she has called transformative. She also interned at Saturday Night Live and worked as an NBC page. Tragically, at age 20, she suffered a stroke that temporarily affected her speech (expressive aphasia), but she recovered and channeled the experience into her resilient career mindset.
Career Journey
Plaza’s professional journey began with small roles and improv performances. Her early TV appearances included 30 Rock and web series like The Jeannie Tate Show. She made her feature film debut in Mystery Team (2009) and appeared in Judd Apatow’s Funny People (2009), where she performed actual stand-up to prepare for the role.
Her big break came in 2009 when she was cast as April Ludgate on NBC’s Parks and Recreation. The character—sarcastic, deadpan, and endlessly quotable—became a fan favorite and defined Plaza’s public image. She remained on the show until its finale in 2015, earning praise for her comedic timing and chemistry with the ensemble, including Amy Poehler. The role brought her widespread recognition and a Peabody Award for the series.
Transitioning to film, Plaza starred in Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) alongside Mark Duplass, earning the Breakthrough Performance (Female) award at the Young Hollywood Awards. Other notable early films include Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), The To Do List (2013), Life After Beth (2014, directed by her then-partner Jeff Baena), and Dirty Grandpa (2016).
In 2017, Plaza expanded into producing with The Little Hours and Ingrid Goes West, the latter of which won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. She delivered standout performances in Black Bear (2020) and Emily the Criminal (2022), showcasing dramatic range. Her role as Harper in Season 2 of HBO’s The White Lotus (2022) earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, along with a SAG Award for Outstanding Ensemble.
Additional highlights include voicing roles in The Legend of Korra and Monsters University, starring in Legion (2017–2019) as the multifaceted Lenny Busker/Shadow King, and appearing in Child’s Play (2019). She has also directed and written, notably an episode of Cinema Toast (2021). Plaza continues to balance indie projects with mainstream appeal, recently appearing in high-profile films and maintaining a reputation for choosing challenging, unconventional roles.
Achievements and Awards: Plaza’s accolades include multiple Independent Spirit recognitions, Imagen Awards, SAG Ensemble wins, and nominations for Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Her work has been celebrated for authenticity and versatility.
Physical Appearance and Fitness
Aubrey Plaza stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and maintains a slim, athletic build weighing around 54 kg (119 lbs). She is known for her striking dark hair, expressive eyes, and a distinctive, often mischievous smile that perfectly suits her deadpan delivery. While not primarily known as a fitness influencer, she stays active through roles requiring physicality and a generally healthy lifestyle.
Personal Life, Lifestyle, and Family
Plaza has kept much of her personal life private, valuing normalcy away from the spotlight. She was married to filmmaker Jeff Baena from 2021 until his passing in early 2025; the couple collaborated professionally on several projects. She has spoken openly about grief in the aftermath while focusing on her work and well-being.
She maintains a relatively low-key lifestyle in Los Angeles, with interests in independent cinema, basketball (she’s a dedicated fan), and creative pursuits. Plaza has no children and has emphasized family bonds with her sisters and parents. Her heritage—Puerto Rican, Irish, with Taíno and other influences—plays a role in her identity, and she has supported Latino causes through her work.
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of recent estimates, Aubrey Plaza’s net worth is approximately $8–10 million. This comes from acting salaries (especially from long-running series and high-profile projects like The White Lotus), producing credits, endorsements, and voice work. Her strategic choice of passion projects alongside commercial successes has built a sustainable career.
Interesting Facts About Aubrey Plaza
- She was named after the song “Aubrey” by Bread.
- Plaza once crashed the MTV Movie Awards stage to promote The To Do List.
- She is a basketball enthusiast and has participated in WNBA-related events.
- Her stroke at age 20 inspired resilience and humor in her storytelling.
- She has voiced Grumpy Cat and characters in animated series.
- Plaza worked at a video store as a teen, shaping her love for indie films.
Conclusion
Aubrey Plaza’s journey from a shy Delaware girl with big dreams to a Hollywood force known for her wit, depth, and originality is inspiring. Her impact lies in redefining comedic roles for women and fearlessly exploring human complexity on screen. As she continues to produce, direct, and star in compelling stories, Plaza’s future looks bright—promising more unforgettable performances that challenge and entertain audiences worldwide.
FAQ
How old is Aubrey Plaza? She was born on June 26, 1984, making her 42 years old in 2026.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s net worth? Estimates place her net worth between $8 million and $10 million.
What is Aubrey Plaza famous for? She is best known for playing April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation, with acclaimed roles in The White Lotus, Ingrid Goes West, Emily the Criminal, and more.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s background? She is American, born in Wilmington, Delaware, with Puerto Rican, Irish, and Taíno heritage. She graduated from NYU Tisch and began in improv comedy.
This biography is for informational and entertainment purposes, drawing from publicly available sources.
