Aubrey Plaza has become a standout talent in Hollywood, known for her deadpan humor, sharp wit, and unforgettable roles in both TV and film. From Parks and Recreation to critically acclaimed indie projects, she’s carved out a unique space in the entertainment world.
With her growing success and diverse career, it’s no surprise that fans are curious about Aubrey Plaza’s net worth. Let’s take a closer look at how she’s earned her money and built a lasting presence in Hollywood.
What is Aubrey Plaza’s Net Worth?
Aubrey Plaza is an American actress, comedian, and producer with an estimated net worth of $8 million, according to Pinkvilla. Most of her earnings come from acting, but she has also made money from brand endorsements, producing, and voice acting. Her breakout role in Parks and Recreation gave her a solid foundation, but her success in movies and television has helped her increase her wealth.
Plaza reportedly earned $50,000 per episode on Parks and Recreation, making her one of the highest-paid supporting cast members by the show’s final seasons. She has also starred in hit films like Safety Not Guaranteed, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, and Emily the Criminal, all of which contributed to her growing fortune.
Aubrey Plaza’s Early Life and Path to Acting
Aubrey Christina Plaza was born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware. She is the oldest of three sisters. Her parents, Bernadette and David Plaza, were young when they had her. They worked hard in different jobs and went to night school to become a lawyer and a financial advisor.
Plaza’s paternal family is Puerto Rican, and her maternal family is of Irish descent. She was raised by her Irish grandparents and Puerto Rican family.
As a child, Aubrey Plaza loved movies and enjoyed imaginative play. She was shy until middle school when she started acting in community theater. She went to Ursuline Academy, a Catholic school, where she was president of the student council and performed in plays. She also made short films as a hobby. At age 16, she represented her school at a youth leadership conference led by Joe Biden.
During her teenage years, Plaza worked at a video store, which sparked her love for independent films. She was inspired by filmmakers like John Waters and Christopher Guest. Plaza later went to improv school in Philadelphia and attended a summer camp at the New York Film Academy in 2001.
She graduated from Ursuline Academy and moved to New York, where she studied film and TV production at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She graduated in 2006.
Aubrey Plaza’s Comedy Breakout and Rise in Film and TV
Aubrey Plaza started performing improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in 2004. She also performed at Laugh Factory and The Improv. Plaza was inspired by comedian Amy Poehler.
She described her time at UCB as an exciting experience, saying it felt like being part of an underground art form. While in film school, Plaza interned at Saturday Night Live 2004-2005 and later became an NBC page. She appeared in 30 Rock in 2006 and two short films, Killswitch and In Love.
In 2009, Plaza made her movie debut in Mystery Team and starred in Funny People as a stand-up comic. To prepare for the role, she performed at comedy clubs. Plaza later auditioned for Parks and Recreation, where she pitched the character of April Ludgate, which became a breakout role for her. She played April from 2009 to 2015 and gained praise for her performance.
Between 2010 and 2016, Plaza’s career grew in both film and TV. In 2010, she appeared in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World as Julie Powers. She also had a recurring role in Portlandia and starred in films like Damsels in Distress 2011 and 10 Years 2011. In 2012, Plaza starred in Safety Not Guaranteed, which earned her positive reviews and an award for Breakthrough Performance. She also played Sacagawea in Drunk History 2013 and starred in The To Do List 2013.
Aubrey Plaza voiced Eska in The Legend of Korra 2013–2014 and Grumpy Cat in Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever 2014. She starred in Life After Beth 2014 and Ned Rifle 2014. In 2016, she had a standout role in Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and guest-starred on HarmonQuest. She also played Cat Adams, a contract killer, on Criminal Minds and appeared in Dirty Grandpa (2016) with Zac Efron and Robert De Niro.
Aubrey Plaza had a busy career in 2017. She starred in and produced The Little Hours and Ingrid Goes West. The Little Hours is a black comedy about medieval nuns. Ingrid Goes West is about a woman obsessed with a social media influencer played by Elizabeth Olsen. Plaza’s performance in Ingrid Goes West was praised by critics. The film won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
From 2017 to 2019, Plaza played two characters, Amahl Farouk / Shadow King and Lenny Busker, in the FX series Legion. Her performance was highly praised. In 2019, she starred in the horror film Child’s Play, a reboot of the 1988 film.
In 2020, Plaza played Riley Johnson in the romantic comedy Happiest Season. She also starred in and produced the film Black Bear, which received critical acclaim. The film explores human relationships and gender dynamics.
In 2021, Plaza made her directorial debut with the episode “Quiet Illness” for the Showtime series Cinema Toast. She also wrote a children’s book, The Legend of the Christmas Witch, with Dan Murphy.
In 2022, Plaza starred in Emily the Criminal, playing a woman driven to crime due to student debt. The film and her performance were highly praised. She also appeared in Spin Me Round and portrayed Harper in The White Lotus, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her role. Plaza also voiced a character in the animated series Little Demon and received the Artist of Distinction Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
In 2023, Plaza was nominated for Best Lead Performance at the Independent Spirit Awards for Emily the Criminal. She hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time and later received criticism for a parody ad mocking plant-based milks. She also made her stage debut in an off-Broadway play.
In 2024, Aubrey Plaza reunited with Nick Offerman for a Mountain Dew ad. She will star in Liarmouth, the first film by John Waters in over 20 years. Plaza is also set to appear in the upcoming films My Old Ass and Megalopolis, as well as the Disney+ miniseries Agatha All Along in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Aubrey Plaza’s Personal Life, Health Struggles, and Loss
Aubrey Plaza met writer and director Jeff Baena in 2011 at a game night. They began dating and worked together on many projects. Plaza starred in four of Baena’s films. On their tenth anniversary in 2021, they got married in a small backyard ceremony.
However, they had been facing marital issues and separated in September 2024. After Baena made concerning comments a month later, Plaza called a friend to check on him. Sadly, Baena died by suicide on January 3, 2025.
When Aubrey Plaza was 20 years old, she had a stroke that caused temporary paralysis and difficulty speaking. Later, while filming Parks and Recreation, she had a transient ischemic attack. Plaza has also shared that she struggles with social anxiety. She has mentioned that she falls in love with both women and men.
Aubrey Plaza’s Awards and Career Recognition
In 2011, Aubrey Plaza was nominated for Parks and Recreation at the ALMA Awards for Favorite TV Actress in a Supporting Role. The next year, she won Favorite Movie Actress in a Comedy/Musical for Safety Not Guaranteed. She was also nominated for a leading role in Parks and Recreation.
In 2013, she was nominated for Best Actress at the Chlotrudis Awards for Safety Not Guaranteed and Ingrid Goes West. In 2021, she won Best Actress for Black Bear at the Imagen Awards. She also won Best Supporting Actress for The White Lotus in 2023.
She was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2023 for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for The White Lotus. In 2024, she was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards for the same role.
She won the Icon Award at the Riviera International Film Festival in 2021. In 2025, she was nominated for Megalopolis at the International Cinephile Society Awards and also received nominations at the Saturn Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards for TV roles like Agatha All Along.
Aubrey Plaza’s Real Estate Moves in Hollywood Hills
In July 2016, Aubrey Plaza bought a home in the Hollywood Hills for $1.6 million. She put it up for sale in August 2022 for $2.25 million and quickly found a buyer at nearly the asking price.
In October 2022, Aubrey purchased a new home in the Hollywood Hills for $4.7 million.
FAQs
How much is Aubrey Plaza worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Aubrey Plaza’s estimated net worth is around $8 million, earned through acting, producing, endorsements, and voiceover work.
What are the main sources of income for Aubrey Plaza?
Aubrey Plaza earns income from film and TV roles, most notably Parks and Recreation, as well as indie films, producing credits, brand partnerships, and voice acting.
What is Aubrey Plaza best known for?
Aubrey Plaza is best known for her role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation and for starring in critically acclaimed films like Emily the Criminal, Ingrid Goes West, and The White Lotus Season 2.
Is Aubrey Plaza still acting in 2025?
Yes, Aubrey Plaza continues to take on roles in film, television, and streaming projects, with a growing reputation as a versatile actress capable of both comedic and dramatic performances.
How does Aubrey Plaza’s net worth compare to other Parks and Recreation cast members?
Aubrey Plaza’s net worth is moderate compared to co-stars like Amy Poehler or Chris Pratt, but she continues to grow her brand through diverse roles and producing opportunities.
