Aubrey Plaza’s Career: From ‘Parks and Recreation’ to ‘Honey Don’t!’

Aubrey Plaza has built a career playing unique and unpredictable characters. She first became famous for her deadpan comedic style, where she delivers funny lines with a serious expression. This made her stand out, and her performances are often described as sarcastic, witty, and a little strange. Her breakout role as April Ludgate on the TV show ‘Parks and Recreation’ made this style iconic and beloved by fans.

In recent years, Plaza has proven that she is more than just a comedian. She has taken on complex and challenging roles in dramas, thrillers, and independent films. She has also become a successful producer, giving her more creative control over her projects. This move has allowed her to explore darker and more intense characters, earning her critical acclaim and showing her incredible range as an actor.

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

This popular sitcom is where most people first met Aubrey Plaza. She played April Ludgate, a young, uninterested intern at the Pawnee parks department who eventually becomes a key part of the team. April was known for her sarcastic comments, her love for all things weird, and her eventual romance with the lovable Andy Dwyer.

Plaza’s deadpan delivery was perfect for the character and made April a fan favorite. She could steal a scene with just a look or a quiet, cutting remark. Over seven seasons, she showed April growing from a moody teenager into a mature adult, all while keeping the unique personality that made her so memorable.

‘Mystery Team’ (2009)

In this comedy film, Plaza played Kelly Peters, the older sister of one of the main characters. The movie is about a group of former child detectives who, as high school seniors, take on a real murder case. Kelly is a much more mature and popular figure compared to the dorky “mystery team.”

Her role is small but important, as she is connected to the central mystery of the film. She represents the world of adulthood that the main characters are not yet a part of. This early role showed her ability to play the straight-faced, slightly dismissive character that would become her signature.

‘Funny People’ (2009)

Plaza appeared in this comedy-drama directed by Judd Apatow. She played Daisy Danby, a stand-up comedian who performs at the same club as the main characters, played by Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen. The film is a look into the world of stand-up comedy and the people in it.

As Daisy, Plaza performed her own stand-up routine in the movie. This was one of her first major film roles, and it put her alongside some of the biggest names in comedy. It was a fitting part for her, as it blended her real-life experience in comedy with her growing acting career.

‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (2010)

In this cult classic action-comedy, Plaza played the foul-mouthed and constantly annoyed Julie Powers. Julie is a friend of Scott Pilgrim’s sister and seems to dislike almost everyone, especially Scott. She works at a coffee shop and frequently pops up to yell at the main character.

Plaza’s performance was hilarious and perfectly captured the comic book character’s personality. Even with limited screen time, she made a big impression with her angry and aggressive energy. The role of Julie Powers was another perfect fit for her unique comedic talents.

‘Damsels in Distress’ (2011)

This quirky comedy follows a group of college students who try to improve the lives of their fellow classmates. Plaza played a small role as Debbie, a student who is considered to be depressed. The main characters try to help her by offering her a donut.

The film has a very specific, offbeat sense of humor, which matched Plaza’s style well. Her scene is a brief but funny moment in the movie. It showed her ability to fit into unique, director-driven comedies.

‘Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You’ (2011)

In this drama, Plaza played Jeanine Breemer, a real estate agent who helps the main character’s family. The film is a coming-of-age story about a lonely teenager trying to find his place in the world. The story is set in New York City during the summer.

This role was a more straightforward, dramatic part for Plaza. She played a professional, adult character, a departure from the sarcastic younger roles she was known for at the time. It was an early sign of her interest in exploring different types of characters beyond comedy.

’10 Years’ (2011)

This film follows a group of friends who reunite for their ten-year high school reunion. Plaza played Olivia, the wife of one of the main characters, Cullin, played by Chris Pratt. Her character is a quiet observer, learning about her husband’s past and who he was in high school.

The movie features a large cast of well-known actors. Plaza’s role was more subtle and grounded compared to her comedic work. She had great chemistry with Pratt, her future ‘Parks and Recreation’ co-star, in a story about looking back at the past and moving forward.

‘Safety Not Guaranteed’ (2012)

This film marked Plaza’s first leading role in a movie. She played Darius Britt, a cynical magazine intern who answers a strange classified ad from a man seeking a partner to travel back in time with. She pretends to be interested in his mission in order to write a story about him.

Plaza’s performance was highly praised by critics. She balanced her signature deadpan humor with a deep sense of vulnerability and heart. The film was a breakout success in the independent film world and proved that Plaza could carry a movie as the main star.

‘A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III’ (2012)

In this surreal comedy directed by Roman Coppola, Plaza played Marnie, the producer and close friend of the main character, Charles Swan. Charles is a successful graphic designer whose life falls apart after a breakup, sending him into a world of fantasies and memories.

Marnie is one of the few stable and supportive people in Charles’s chaotic life. Plaza brought a calm and collected energy to the role, acting as a grounding force amidst the film’s wild and imaginative scenes.

‘The To Do List’ (2013)

Plaza starred as Brandy Klark, a high school valedictorian who feels she needs more sexual experience before going to college. To fix this, she creates a detailed to-do list of sexual acts she wants to accomplish over the summer.

This was a unique leading role for Plaza. Her character is intelligent and nerdy, not a typical party girl, which made her approach to the raunchy subject matter very funny. She led an ensemble cast of talented comedic actors in this coming-of-age story.

‘Charlie Countryman’ (2013)

In this romantic crime film, Plaza had a small supporting role as Ashley, the ex-girlfriend of the main character’s friend. The story follows an American who travels to Romania, falls in love, and gets caught up in a dangerous criminal underworld.

Her role is brief, appearing in a flashback scene. Even in a small part, she made an impression. It was another step in a busy year where she appeared in a wide variety of films, from comedies to dramas to action movies.

‘Monsters University’ (2013)

Plaza lent her voice to this animated prequel from Pixar. She voiced Claire Wheeler, the president of the Greek Council at Monsters University. Claire is a goth-style monster who maintains a deadpan expression and announces the events for the annual Scare Games.

The character was a perfect match for Plaza’s signature voice and delivery. Claire Wheeler is essentially the monster version of the persona Plaza was famous for. It was a fun and fitting role in a hugely successful family film.

‘Life After Beth’ (2014)

In this zombie romantic comedy, Plaza played the title character, Beth Slocum. After she dies suddenly, her grieving boyfriend is shocked to discover that she has come back to life. However, she slowly starts to transform into a violent, flesh-eating zombie.

This role allowed Plaza to combine comedy, romance, and horror. She brilliantly portrayed Beth’s transition from a sweet girl to a raging monster. The part was physically demanding and showed her willingness to take on strange and challenging projects.

‘About Alex’ (2014)

This drama is about a group of old college friends who reunite for a weekend after one of them, Alex, attempts suicide. Plaza played Sarah, a corporate lawyer in the group who has a long and complicated history with one of her friends.

The film is a serious ensemble drama, often compared to the movie ‘The Big Chill’. Plaza’s performance was grounded and emotional, showing her skill in a dramatic setting. She held her own in a cast of strong actors exploring themes of friendship, regret, and adult life.

‘Ned Rifle’ (2014)

Plaza took on a very dark and mysterious role in this independent drama. She played Susan, a woman with a troubled past who becomes involved with the film’s title character. Ned Rifle is a young man on a mission to kill his father for ruining his mother’s life.

Her performance was a significant departure from her comedic work. Susan is a complex and manipulative character, and Plaza played her with a quiet intensity. The role was praised by critics and showed her desire to tackle challenging, unconventional material.

‘Playing It Cool’ (2014)

In this romantic comedy, Plaza played Mallory, the best friend of the main character, played by Chris Evans. The story is about a writer who doesn’t believe in love until he meets the perfect woman, who is already engaged. Mallory is a sarcastic and loyal friend who offers him advice.

The role was a return to a more familiar type of character for Plaza. She provided much of the film’s comedic relief with her witty and cynical lines. Her chemistry with Chris Evans was a highlight of the movie.

‘Addicted to Fresno’ (2015)

This dark comedy stars Plaza and Judy Greer as sisters who work as hotel maids in Fresno. Plaza’s character, Kelly, is a personal trainer who is overly confident and a bit of a schemer. The sisters’ lives spiral out of control after they accidentally cause a hotel guest’s death.

Plaza had a great comedic partnership with Judy Greer. Her character is the more selfish and irresponsible of the two sisters. The film explored themes of family and failure with a very dark sense of humor.

‘The Driftless Area’ (2015)

In this neo-noir romance, Plaza played Jean, a mysterious woman who becomes entangled with the main character, a bartender who has just returned to his hometown. The story involves a bag of stolen money, a deadly arsonist, and a touch of the supernatural.

Jean is an enigmatic and almost ghostly figure. Plaza’s performance was quiet and subtle, adding to the film’s mysterious atmosphere. The role was another example of her work in independent films that blend different genres and styles.

‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016)

Plaza co-starred in this raunchy comedy alongside Robert De Niro and Zac Efron. She played Lenore, a wild and adventurous college student who has a strong attraction to De Niro’s character, a recently widowed grandfather looking to have fun on spring break.

The role was bold and over-the-top. Plaza fully committed to the outrageous humor of the film, creating a memorable and hilarious character. Her scenes with Robert De Niro were some of the most talked-about parts of the movie.

‘Joshy’ (2016)

In this independent comedy, Plaza played Jen, one of the friends who joins a bachelor party weekend that still happens even though the wedding has been called off. The film is largely improvised, with the cast creating their own dialogue.

Jen is an interesting and somewhat awkward character who doesn’t know the other guests very well. Plaza’s skills in improvisation were on full display. She created a funny and realistic character who added to the film’s natural and authentic feel.

‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’ (2016)

Plaza starred alongside Adam DeVine, Zac Efron, and Anna Kendrick in this hit comedy. She played Tatiana, a rebellious party girl who pretends to be a polite and respectable teacher to get a free trip to Hawaii as a wedding date.

Her performance was wild, funny, and full of energy. She had fantastic comedic chemistry with Anna Kendrick, who played her best friend and partner in crime. The film was a commercial success and showcased her talent for mainstream, high-energy comedy.

‘Legion’ (2017–2019)

Plaza took on a complex and surprising role in this mind-bending superhero series based on a Marvel comic. She was initially introduced as Lenny Busker, the optimistic friend of the main character, David Haller. However, it is revealed that her character is actually a powerful and villainous mutant entity.

Her performance was praised as one of the best parts of the show. She played multiple personalities and forms of the villain, known as the Shadow King. The role was dramatic, scary, and sometimes funny, showcasing her incredible versatility as an actor.

‘The Little Hours’ (2017)

In this medieval comedy, Plaza played Fernanda, a violent and rebellious nun living in a 14th-century convent. The film is based on a classic collection of stories and follows the chaotic lives of three nuns who are tempted by a new groundskeeper.

Plaza gave a hilarious performance as the angry and unpredictable Fernanda. In addition to starring, she also served as a producer on the film. This marked an important step in her career, showing her growing involvement in developing her own projects.

‘Ingrid Goes West’ (2017)

Plaza starred as Ingrid Thorburn, a mentally unstable young woman who becomes obsessed with a popular social media influencer. After a series of personal setbacks, she moves to Los Angeles to try and become friends with her idol in real life.

This role was a perfect blend of dark comedy and tragedy. Plaza brilliantly portrayed Ingrid’s loneliness and desperation, making the character both funny and heartbreaking. She was also a producer on the film, which received critical acclaim for its smart commentary on social media culture.

‘An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn’ (2018)

In this bizarre and quirky comedy, Plaza played Lulu Danger, a woman who is unhappy in her marriage. Her life takes a strange turn when a mysterious man from her past comes to town to perform a special one-night-only show.

The film has a very unique and deadpan style of humor. Plaza’s character is at the center of a strange love triangle. Her performance was a perfect fit for the movie’s offbeat tone and surreal world.

‘Child’s Play’ (2019)

Plaza starred in this modern reboot of the classic horror film. She played Karen Barclay, the single mother of a young boy named Andy. She gives her son a technologically advanced “Buddi” doll for his birthday, unaware that the doll is defective and dangerously violent.

This was Plaza’s first role as a mother in a major film. She played the part with a mix of warmth and toughness, creating a relatable character trying to protect her child. It was a strong performance in the horror genre.

‘Black Bear’ (2020)

This independent film is a complex and mind-bending drama that is split into two parts. In the first half, Plaza plays Allison, an actress and filmmaker who stays at a remote lake house with a couple, causing tension between them. In the second half, the roles are reversed in a story about a film being made.

Plaza’s performance was called the best of her career by many critics. The role was incredibly demanding, requiring her to portray a wide range of intense emotions. She was also a producer on the film, which highlighted her talent for taking on ambitious and artistically challenging projects.

‘Happiest Season’ (2020)

In this holiday romantic comedy, Plaza had a memorable supporting role as Riley. The story is about a young woman who brings her girlfriend home for Christmas but hasn’t told her conservative family that she is gay. Riley is the ex-girlfriend of the main character.

Even though she was not the romantic lead, many viewers became huge fans of her character. Riley was smart, charming, and kind, and Plaza’s performance was so compelling that many people wanted her to end up with the main character. Her role was a standout in the popular film.

‘Best Sellers’ (2021)

Plaza starred opposite veteran actor Michael Caine in this comedy-drama. She played Lucy Stanbridge, a young publisher who inherits her father’s struggling publishing house. To save the business, she must get a washed-up, grumpy author to go on a book tour.

The film was a charming story about the unlikely friendship between two very different people. Plaza played the ambitious and stressed-out young professional well. Her scenes with Michael Caine were the heart of the movie.

‘King Knight’ (2021)

Plaza provided her voice for a small role in this independent comedy. The film is about the high priest of a coven of witches whose life is thrown into chaos when his past is revealed. Plaza voiced a pine cone that one of the characters talks to.

The role was a fun, quirky cameo that fits with her history of supporting unique and offbeat films. Her distinctive voice was a perfect fit for the strange and humorous movie.

‘The White Lotus’ (2022)

Plaza joined the second season of the critically acclaimed HBO series. She played Harper Spiller, a lawyer on vacation in Sicily with her husband and another wealthy couple. Harper is cynical and feels out of place, leading to suspicion and tension among the group.

Her performance was a major highlight of the season. She perfectly captured her character’s intelligence, anxiety, and sharp wit. Plaza received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work, which was celebrated as one of the best television performances of the year.

‘Emily the Criminal’ (2022)

In this gritty thriller, Plaza played Emily Benetto, a woman struggling with student debt who gets involved in a credit card fraud scam. As she gets deeper into the criminal underworld, she discovers she has a talent for it, but it puts her in increasing danger.

Plaza gave a powerful and intense performance that was very different from her comedic work. She showed a tough and desperate side that audiences had not seen before. She also produced the film, which received excellent reviews and earned her an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.

‘Spin Me Round’ (2022)

Plaza was part of an ensemble cast in this comedy. The story follows a restaurant manager who wins a trip to Italy for a corporate retreat. Plaza played Kat, the assistant to the company’s wealthy and charismatic owner. Kat is mysterious and knows many of the company’s secrets.

The role allowed Plaza to use her deadpan style to create a secretive and intriguing character. She was a key part of the film’s central mystery, and her performance added to the movie’s quirky and unpredictable tone.

‘Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre’ (2023)

In this action-comedy directed by Guy Ritchie, Plaza played Sarah Fidel. She is a skilled American intelligence operative and tech expert who is part of a team trying to stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology.

Plaza proved she could be a compelling action star. She was sharp, funny, and confident in the role, holding her own alongside action veterans like Jason Statham. Her performance was praised as a standout in the stylish and fast-paced spy film.

‘My Old Ass’ (2024)

Plaza took on a unique role in this coming-of-age comedy. She played the older version of the main character, Elliott, who travels back in time to give advice to her 18-year-old self. The film explores themes of youth, regret, and embracing the future.

Her performance was warm and wise, offering a different side of her acting abilities. She served as a guide to the younger character, providing both funny and heartfelt moments. The film was praised for its clever concept and emotional depth.

‘Megalopolis’ (2024)

Plaza is part of the massive ensemble cast in this epic science fiction drama from legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. The film is a passion project for the director and tells a story of an architect who wants to rebuild a New York City-like metropolis as a utopia.

She played a broadcast journalist named Wow Platinum. The character is ambitious and part of the high-stakes world of media and power in the futuristic city. Her role is another example of her working with some of the most respected directors in the industry.

‘Agatha All Along’ (2024)

Plaza joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this popular series. She played the character of Rio Vidal, a Green Witch who is a former lover of Agatha Harkness. As the series progressed, it was revealed that her character was actually the physical embodiment of Death.

Her performance was charismatic and mysterious, with fans enjoying her chemistry with Kathryn Hahn’s Agatha. Plaza once again showed her ability to play powerful and supernatural characters who can be both charming and intimidating.

‘Honey Don’t!’ (2025)

In this dark comedy from director Ethan Coen, Plaza starred as a private investigator named Honey who gets pulled into a strange case in Bakersfield, California. The film co-stars Margaret Qualley as a mysterious woman and Chris Evans as a cult leader.

Plaza’s performance was praised for fitting perfectly into the quirky, offbeat world of a Coen film. She brought her signature deadpan wit to the role of a determined investigator, creating a character who was both tough and funny. Her work was highlighted by critics as a central force in the stylish and clever crime story.

Let us know which of Aubrey Plaza’s uniquely offbeat characters is your absolute favorite in the comments.