"The show must go on": Internet reacts as Aubrey Plaza makes first public appearance at SNL50 since husband's passing

Aubrey Plaza made a return to the public eye at Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special. It was her first appearance since the tragic passing of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena.

Plaza, aged 40, took the stage at the star-studded event on Sunday, February 16, 2025, to introduce musical guests Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard. They performed a cover of Nothing Compares 2 U, a song made famous by Sinéad O’Connor.

Plaza’s appearance was brief, but it got significant attention from fans. Dressed in a black blazer over a tie-dyed shirt, she seemed to be honoring Baena in a subtly personal way.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple famously ditched traditional wedding attire in favor of tie-dye pajamas made by Baena himself. For enthusiasts who knew their story, her outfit choice for the event might feel like a tribute.

Plaza's SNL50 Anniversary Special appearance came weeks after Baena’s death was confirmed as suicide. The 47-year-old filmmaker was found unresponsive at their Los Angeles home on January 3, 2025. Plaza and Baena’s family released a statement calling it an “unimaginable tragedy” and requesting privacy. Plaza also deactivated her Instagram account. She stepped away from the public eye, until now.

Internet reacts as Aubrey Plaza re-appeared in front of the public eye

Pop Crave took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to share a clip of the SNL 50 that featured Aubrey Plaza, captioning,

"Aubrey Plaza made a surprise appearance at #SNL50 to introduce Miley Cyrus & Brittany Howard as musical guests."

Fans were quick to note the post. They started weighing in on the comment section. One such fan commented:

"What a champ. Good for you Aubrey! The show must go on."

Below are what others had to share:

"Hope she's ok", shared a concerned fan.

"The strength it took to show up tonight, i hope she’s healing", remarked another.

"Damn I hope they didn’t force her to do this", commented a third.

"We love you Aubrey", expressed a fourth.

"Super good to see her", shared a fifth.

"Aubrey's surprise appearance was everything such a perfect moment.", lauded an X user.

"I was shocked but happy to see Aubrey. I hope she’s doing okay", shared another.

"Aubrey’s surprise appearance was everything such a perfect moment", joined in a third.

Plaza had initially been scheduled to present at the 2025 Golden Globes but withdrew following Baena’s death. During the ceremony, director Brady Corbet, while accepting the Best Director award for The Brutalist, took a moment to acknowledge Plaza’s loss, saying,

“Tonight, my heart is with Aubrey Plaza and Jeff’s family.”

Plaza is beloved for her roles in Parks and Recreation, The White Lotus, and Agatha All Along. While Plaza has yet to comment publicly on her return, her appearance at SNL50 suggests her potential re-entry into the public sphere.

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