Aubrey Plaza, a 22-year-old New York University Tisch School of the Arts graduate, quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood. Within just two years of finishing school, Aubrey Plaza landed a spot on a high-profile network TV sitcom and was cast in not one but two major motion pictures—an impressive start by any standard. Originally from Delaware, Aubrey Plaza had already been building her foundation in comedy through improv classes in New York City, where she sharpened her unique voice as part of several sketch comedy groups.
It was Aubrey Plaza’s standout performance in the web-based series “The Jeannie Tate Show” that really caught attention—she played a moody, eye-rolling teen grappling with substance issues and a complicated relationship with her mother. That role became a turning point, leading directly to her being cast as April Ludgate, the hilariously deadpan college intern on NBC’s beloved comedy “Parks and Recreation” (2009–2015). Over the show’s seven seasons, Aubrey Plaza mastered that signature look—the blank stare, the dry delivery, the subtle sarcasm—that fans came to love. Her portrayal of April Ludgate wasn’t just memorable; it defined a new kind of comedic presence on television.
During this time, Aubrey Plaza also appeared in bigger studio films, including Judd Apatow’s “Funny People” (2009) alongside Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen, and Edgar Wright’s stylish “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010) with Michael Cera. These roles helped raise her profile in mainstream cinema, but it was her continued work in original digital content that truly deepened her connection with audiences. Fans admired Aubrey Plaza’s fearless creativity and offbeat humor, which set her apart in a crowded field.
After “Parks and Recreation” wrapped, Aubrey Plaza transitioned smoothly into lead roles. She headlined the quirky zombie rom-com “Life After Beth” (2014), then showed her range in the chaotic comedy “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” (2016) and the medieval satire “The Little Hours” (2017), inspired by tales from Boccaccio’s “Decameron.” At the same time, she took on more dramatic challenges, like her role in Hal Hartley’s indie film “Ned Rifle” (2014), and even ventured into raunchy comedy again with Robert De Niro in “Dirty Grandpa” (2016).
Aubrey Plaza returned to television in a powerful way as a co-lead in FX’s critically acclaimed superhero drama “Legion” (2017– ), proving once again that she could thrive in complex, genre-defying roles. With each project, Aubrey Plaza has continued to surprise and captivate—solidifying her status not just as a talented actress, but as a bold, original voice in modern entertainment.
When it comes to Aubrey Plaza’s film career, fans and critics alike have taken special note of her standout performance in Emily the Criminal (2022), which stands out as her highest-rated project to date. It really showcases what Aubrey Plaza brings to the table—intense, gripping, and utterly compelling. Over the years, audiences have seen her evolve, and with Emily the Criminal, Aubrey Plaza truly stepped into a leading role that highlighted her depth as an actress. On the flip side, one title that didn’t quite hit the mark was Dirty Grandpa (2016), which ended up being her lowest-rated film. While it had its moments, it just didn’t align with the kind of roles that best suit Aubrey Plaza’s strengths. Overall, Aubrey Plaza continues to build an impressive body of work, and her trajectory suggests even more powerful performances ahead.