Aubrey Plaza has carved out a unique space for herself in the entertainment world. With her signature deadpan humor, magnetic presence, and an uncanny ability to blend comedy and drama, she has built a career that is as diverse as it is impressive. From her breakout roles in quirky comedies to her stunning turns in psychological thrillers and indie dramas, Plaza has proven time and again that she is one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. Here, we take a closer look at some of Aubrey Plaza’s best roles that showcase her incredible range and talent.
1. April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Aubrey Plaza’s portrayal of April Ludgate on NBC’s beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation is arguably her most iconic role. April starts as a cynical intern with a penchant for sarcasm but evolves into a deeply layered character who balances her dry wit with surprising moments of vulnerability and loyalty.
Plaza’s deadpan delivery and impeccable comedic timing made April a fan favorite, earning her a cult following. Her chemistry with co-stars like Chris Pratt (Andy Dwyer) and Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson) elevated many of the show’s funniest and most heartfelt moments. April’s growth over the series—from a directionless youth to a passionate and driven public servant—is a testament to Plaza’s nuanced performance.
2. Darius Britt in Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
This indie darling marked Aubrey Plaza’s first leading role in a feature film. Safety Not Guaranteed is a quirky science-fiction dramedy about a journalist and two interns investigating a man who claims to have built a time machine.
Plaza’s performance as Darius Britt, an emotionally guarded intern, is both heartfelt and hilarious. She brings a relatable vulnerability to the character, making her journey of self-discovery compelling. The film’s mix of humor and poignancy provided Plaza with the perfect platform to showcase her ability to balance comedy with emotional depth.
3. Lenny Busker in Legion (2017–2019)
Plaza’s role in FX’s mind-bending superhero series Legion is a testament to her incredible range as an actress. She plays Lenny Busker, a friend of the protagonist, David Haller (Dan Stevens), who transforms into something far more sinister as the series progresses.
This role allowed Plaza to explore the darker corners of her talent, delivering a performance that was eerie, unsettling, and utterly mesmerizing. Her portrayal of Lenny’s descent into madness—coupled with moments of chaotic humor—cemented her status as a performer capable of tackling complex, multidimensional characters.
4. Ingrid Thorburn in Ingrid Goes West (2017)
In Ingrid Goes West, Plaza takes on the role of Ingrid Thorburn, a troubled young woman who becomes dangerously obsessed with an Instagram influencer. This dark comedy-drama explores themes of social media addiction, loneliness, and the search for authenticity in the digital age.
Plaza’s performance is equal parts chilling and heartbreaking. She captures Ingrid’s desperation and fragility with raw honesty, making the character’s downward spiral both unsettling and deeply human. The role earned Plaza critical acclaim, including an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead.
5. Riley Johnson in Black Bear (2020)
Aubrey Plaza delivers one of the most electrifying performances of her career in Black Bear, an enigmatic drama that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. Plaza plays Riley Johnson, a filmmaker seeking inspiration while staying at a remote lake house with a couple whose relationship is unraveling.
The film’s unconventional narrative structure gives Plaza the opportunity to showcase her extraordinary range, shifting between vulnerability, intensity, and sardonic humor. Her fearless performance anchors the film, earning widespread praise from critics and solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse talent.
6. Fernanda in The To Do List (2013)
In The To Do List, Plaza steps into the shoes of Brandy Klark, a high-achieving high school graduate who sets out to gain more sexual experience before college. This raunchy comedy is a departure from her usual roles, allowing her to lean into physical comedy and an exaggeratedly awkward persona.
Plaza’s comedic chops shine in this coming-of-age story, and her willingness to embrace the character’s cringe-worthy moments with unabashed enthusiasm makes the film both hilarious and memorable. The To Do List proved Plaza’s ability to carry a comedy as the lead actress.
7. Cat Adams in Criminal Minds (2016–2020)
In a surprising turn, Aubrey Plaza took on the role of Cat Adams, a psychopathic hitwoman, in CBS’s long-running procedural Criminal Minds. First appearing in the episode “Entropy,” Cat engages in a high-stakes mind game with Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler).
Plaza’s chilling portrayal of Cat showcased her ability to embody menace and unpredictability. Her performance earned her acclaim from fans and critics alike, with many praising her ability to elevate a procedural drama with her intense and layered performance.
8. Allison in Happiest Season (2020)
In this groundbreaking holiday romantic comedy, Plaza plays Riley, the ex-girlfriend of one of the main characters, Harper (Mackenzie Davis). Although a supporting role, Plaza’s portrayal of Riley resonated with audiences, thanks to her warm, understated performance.
Plaza’s natural charm and chemistry with Kristen Stewart (Abby) added depth to the film, and many viewers found themselves rooting for Riley as a more suitable match for Abby. Her performance brought humor and heart to a film that balanced festive cheer with important conversations about love and acceptance.
9. Emily Benetto in Emily the Criminal (2022)
Emily the Criminal marks a career milestone for Plaza, who plays the titular character, a struggling millennial drawn into the world of credit card fraud. This gritty crime thriller highlights Plaza’s ability to command the screen in a dramatic lead role.
Emily’s journey from desperation to empowerment is portrayed with raw intensity by Plaza, whose performance earned critical acclaim. The role not only demonstrated her skill in handling darker material but also reinforced her status as a leading actress capable of carrying complex, character-driven stories.
10. Harper Spiller in The White Lotus (2022)
In the second season of HBO’s acclaimed anthology series The White Lotus, Plaza plays Harper Spiller, a lawyer navigating the complexities of her marriage during a luxurious but fraught vacation in Sicily. Her performance blends humor, tension, and emotional depth as her character’s insecurities and suspicions unravel over the course of the series.
Plaza’s portrayal of Harper earned her a Golden Globe nomination and widespread acclaim, with many praising her ability to balance the show’s sharp social commentary with moments of dark comedy and genuine pathos.
Conclusion
Aubrey Plaza’s career is a testament to her versatility and talent. Whether she’s delivering deadpan humor, diving into dark psychological territory, or balancing both in a single role, Plaza consistently captivates audiences with her unique style and fearless performances. From her comedic roots in Parks and Recreation to her dramatic turns in films like Black Bear and Emily the Criminal, Plaza’s body of work showcases her ability to tackle a wide range of characters with authenticity and depth.
As she continues to take on new and challenging projects, there’s no doubt that Aubrey Plaza will remain a dynamic force in the entertainment industry for years to come.
