Aubrey Plaza: The Comedian and Actress Who Keeps Us Laughing
From her role as the deadpan April Ludgate in the sitcom Parks and Recreation, to her breakout performance in the indie film Ingrid Goes West, Aubrey Plaza has proven herself to be a versatile and captivating actress. With her signature dry wit and offbeat charm, Plaza has become a favorite among both critics and audiences.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the life and career of Aubrey Plaza, exploring her early years, her rise to fame, and her most notable roles. We'll also hear from Plaza herself, as she shares her thoughts on the industry and her approach to acting.
Early Years and Career
Aubrey Christina Plaza was born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware. She is of Puerto Rican and Irish descent, and she was raised by her single mother. Plaza started performing in local theater productions at a young age, and she later went on to study theater at New York University.
After graduating from NYU, Plaza moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. She began by appearing in small roles in television shows and films, including 30 Rock, Portlandia, and Funny People.
Breakthrough Role: April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation
In 2009, Plaza landed her breakthrough role when she was cast as the deadpan and sarcastic April Ludgate in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. The show, which also starred Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, and Nick Offerman, ran for seven seasons, and it became one of the most beloved comedies of its time.
As April Ludgate, Plaza showcased her signature dry wit and impeccable timing, quickly becoming a favorite among fans. The character was known for her monotone voice, her love of puns, and her disdain for social norms. Plaza's performance was so well-received that she was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Film Breakthrough: Ingrid Goes West
In 2017, Plaza starred in the indie film Ingrid Goes West, which marked her breakout role on the big screen. The film tells the story of a young woman named Ingrid who becomes obsessed with an Instagram influencer, played by Elizabeth Olsen. Plaza plays Ingrid's roommate and best friend, who is equally disturbed by Ingrid's behavior.
Plaza's performance in Ingrid Goes West was widely praised, with critics hailing her as "a revelation" and "a true comedic talent." The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped Plaza to establish herself as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Recent Roles and Projects
Since Ingrid Goes West, Plaza has continued to star in a wide range of films and television shows. She has appeared in such films as The Little Hours, Child's Play, and Black Bear. On television, she has had recurring roles in Legion, The White Lotus, and Emily the Criminal.
In addition to her acting work, Plaza has also branched out into producing and directing. She is the executive producer of the television show AP Bio, and she directed the short film The Ark of the Covenant.
Aubrey Plaza is one of the most talented and versatile actresses working today. With her signature dry wit, offbeat charm, and impeccable timing, she has become a favorite among both critics and audiences. From her iconic performance as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation to her breakout role in Ingrid Goes West, Plaza has proven herself to be a true star. As she continues to take on new and challenging roles, we can't wait to see what she does next.