Aubrey Plaza has been quite the hot topic lately, particularly due to her role in Francis Ford Coppola's recent venture, Megalopolis. Yet, her distinct deadpan voice found mainstream fame long before, prominently as the voice of Grumpy Cat in the Lifetime movie, Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever (2014). This was Grumpy Cat's first and last film appearance, which, as might not be surprising, was widely panned by critics.
The film, directed by Tim Hill, depicts the titular character teaming up with a young girl to save a mall pet store and, unsurprisingly, Christmas itself. Despite earning its place as part of the "so bad it’s good" cinema club, it remains noteworthy within the holiday movie genre, especially for those who appreciate the quirks of Plaza’s comedic style.
Now famously known for her iconic frowning visage — arising from feline dwarfism — Grumpy Cat, or Tardar Sauce, became an internet sensation throughout the 2010s. The internet loved capturing Grumpy Cat's face paired with clever captions about the inconveniences of life. Plaza’s involvement marked the beginning of her foray beyond traditional on-screen roles. When Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever entered production about two years after the meme's inception, it brought Plaza’s unique voice and humor to life, enriching the project's charm.
While Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever currently holds just 27% on Rotten Tomatoes, its charm roots from Plaza’s voice work, which stood out amid the film’s chaotic storylines and lackluster dialogue. Critics have noted the film's bizarre charm, attributing its place as cult holiday viewing to its earnest moments, where Plaza’s Meta commentary on capitalism and fame shines through surprisingly witty and self-aware layers of humor.
Shifting focus to her personal life, Plaza's relationship with indie film director Jeff Baena is another interesting aspect of her story. The couple began dating back in 2011 and managed to keep their relationship away from the public eye, making only occasional appearances together. After spending 10 years together, they exchanged vows quietly in 2021.
Baena, known for directing and writing indie films like Spin Me Round (2022) and The Little Hours (2017), attended New York University, gaining experience before launching his career. Plaza once remarked on their relationship, stating, "I think when you're with someone who is in your field, they understand what you're dealing with on a different level." The couple has collaborated on various projects, boosting their professional synergy.
Plaza noted the balance they achieve together: "So obviously you are able to support each other… but working with your partner can always be challenging." This balance seems to be working well, evident by their recent collaboration on Showtime’s anthology series Cinema Toast, where Plaza made her directorial debut. She recalled the hectic creation process during quarantine when their home transformed temporarily to serve as their production facility.
Adding to Plaza's reputation as someone who shuns traditional norms, her sense of humor has appealed to many. Anecdotes from her time on Parks and Recreation display her playful nature. Adam Scott once shared how she humorously welcomed him to the cast. After the first table read, Plaza handed him a tightly folded note, reminiscent of the chilling movie Shutter Island, which read: "Run." What could have been intimidating became emblematic of their hilarious and supportive environment.
Reflecting on her career, Plaza’s unique blend of humor, creativity, and personal relationships has shaped her path. Each project and experience allows her to engage audiences and evolve artistically. Whether voicing Grumpy Cat or developing independent films side by side with her husband, Plaza continues to offer her distinct take on storytelling.
Now, with her continued ascent in the film industry, Aubrey Plaza remains not only relevant but also incredibly influential, fascinating audiences with her unique comedic voice. Her career’s path seems to be paving the road for new and exciting projects, eleving her stature as both actress and director, and showing how far hard work, partnership, and humor can go.
