Super Bowl 2025: Aubrey Plaza Makes First Onscreen Appearance Since Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza starred alongside Michael Shannon and Bad Bunny in a salty new commercial during the 2025 Super Bowl, marking her first onscreen appearance since her husband’s sudden death.

By Desiree Anello Feb 10, 2025 1:37 AM
| Updated Feb 10, 2025 3:37 AM
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Watch: Super Bowl 2025: Aubrey Plaza Makes First Onscreen Appearance Since Jeff Baena’s Death

Aubrey Plaza is embracing her salty side for the Super Bowl.

During Super Bowl LIX, the Parks and Recreation alum interrupted the face-off between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs Feb. 9 at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome to join her “salty brethren” Michael Shannon and Bad Bunny in Ritz’s first-ever Super Bowl commercial.

In the ad, Aubrey and Michael made quite the iconic duo while competing over who was saltiest. After all, the Agatha All Along actress declared herself the “human version of Monday,” while the Take Shelter actor claimed that his personality “cures meats.” But alas, their “Salty Club” was quickly rattled when the reggaeton musician entered the picture with his cheerful demeanor and irresistible charm.

For Aubrey, the comedic commercial marks her first onscreen appearance since her husband Jeff Baena’s tragic death last month. The writer-director died by suicide on Jan. 3, according to Los Angeles medical examiner records. He was 47.

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And while the White Lotus actress—who has since deactivated her Instagram—has been laying low and taking time to grieve, she spoke out on her loss three days after his passing.

"This is an unimaginable tragedy," read a Jan. 6 statement from Aubrey and his family. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."

A few days later, Jeff’s family and loved ones further paid tribute to the filmmaker’s memory.

“Each of his films reflects a carefully crafted balance of the logical and the implausible,” his family wrote in an obituary originally published by the Miami Herald. “His juxtaposition of intellect and creativity challenged us. He embraced independent filmmaking because of his unalterable distaste for institutional guardrails on creativity.”

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But beyond his creative pursuits, Jeff left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

“Jeff was a true relationship builder with a gift for bringing people together on and off the movie set,” the obituary continued. “His magic sauce was ensuring everyone was having fun and no one ever left his get-togethers as a stranger.”

To see more commercials from the 2025 Super Bowl, keep reading.  

 

Uber Eats, Starring Martha Stewart & Charli XCX 

Ordering Uber Eats? Now that's brat. Watch Charli teach Martha Gen Z trends in the ad's teaser here

Nike, Starring  Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, Sha'Carri Richardson 

You can't win. So win. Watch Nike's inspiring women-led ad.

Ray-Ban Meta starring  Kris Jenner, Chris Hemsworth and Chris Pratt

Meta’s AI glasses became a hot topic during the big game with one of the most talked-about ads of the night. 

Ritz, Starring Aubrey Plaza & Michael Shannon

You have to be salty in the Salty Club. Watch the full ad here

Universal 

Five immersive worlds in one theme park? See the Universal magic that's coming soon here

Duracell, Starring Tom Brady 

The seven-time Super Bowl ring holder can only run on Duracell. See full ad here

Thunderbolts Trailer, Starring Florence Pugh 

A new chapter of Marvel is about to begin. Watch full trailer here

How To Train Your Dragon Trailer, Starring Mason Thames

It's time to meet the real life Toothless. Watch the live action remake trailer here

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Trailer, Starring Tom Cruise

See the Oscar nominee go for the impossible—one last time. Watch full trailer here

Jurassic World: Rebirth Trailer, Starring Scarlett Johansson 

A new era is about to begin. Watch full trailer here

Dunkin, Starring Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Jeremy Strong & More

The DunKINGS are in the house for a meet and greet with a very special guest. Watch the full ad here.

NerdWallet, Starring Kieran Culkin

The Succession star voices a genius beluga whale, which serves as the personal finance company's new mascot, in this new ad detailing how "genius" it is to use NerdWallet.

Mountain Dew, Starring Seal and Becky G

The "Kiss From a Rose" singer is depicted as an actual seal in this "Kiss from a Lime" ad for Mountain Dew Baja Blast's new Tropical Lime flavor.

Bug Light, Starring Post Malone, Shane Gillis & Peyton Manning

The three appear in the brand's "Big Men on Cul-de-Sac" ad, set to Huey Lewis and the News' 1985 hit "The Power of Love."

Intuit Turbo Tax, Starring Issa Rae 

It's tax season, unfortunately, but the Insecure star shares a way to make it less stressful. Watch the ad here

Hellman's, Starring When Harry Met Sally's Billy Crystal & Meg Ryan

You'll really want to have what she's having after seeing this sweet reunion. Watch here

HexClad, Starring Gordon Ramsay & Pete Davidson

Pete Davidson reveals a secret about really famous people to Gordon Ramsay in their ad for the heavy duty cooking pan. See full ad here

FanDuel, Starring Eli Manning & Peyton Manning

A rivalry between brothers never really ends, according to the NFL alums. See the Manning brothers rock their childhood looks in the sports betting app's ad here

Totino's, Starring Tim Robinson & Sam Richardson

They're the most snackable pizza in the universe—and the Detroiters stars prove it. See the Super Bowl snack ad here

Frank's RedHot, Starring Paris Hilton

A spicy commercial just in time for the big game? That's hot! Watch the ad here.

Angel Soft, Starring Julian Edelman & Charissa Thompson

When you have to go, you have to go. And while the former New England Patriots player proves it won't take much time away from the big game in a teaser commercial, Angel Soft went on to air the most considerate ad of the evening. See here

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