Photo via Gage Skidmore
Although most often associated with her character, April, from NBC’s Parks and Recreation, Aubrey Plaza is a cool, quirky character all her own. As the reigning queen of the comedic deadpan, Plaza is a fresh face, quickly moving from the indie scene to mainstream superstardom.
But really, let’s talk about April Ludgate for a minute. Plaza plays the odd, dark, and even scary young government employee to perfection, mixing copious amounts of sarcasm with the occasional sentimental moment. Plaza’s real life and personality even plays into April’s character, interests, and family history. In the early years of Parks and Rec, April established the source of her personality. “My mom’s Puerto Rican. That’s why I’m so lively and colorful,” she said in a lifeless monotone, her dark eyes looking straight at the camera. And while in real life, it’s Plaza’s dad who is Puerto Rican, (her mother is Irish and English), there’s no doubt that Plaza is similar to April in more ways than one.
Working that deadpan glare that can bring even the toughest of critics to giggle fits has made Plaza a valuable comedic commodity in the business beyond Parks and Rec. Guest stints on Portlandia and 30 Rock and roles in such quirky classics as Damsels in Distress and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World have brought Plaza wide acclaim both professionally and personally as viewers have seen her own hilariously twisted personality. From interviews where she discusses her desire to be an old woman, to a slideshow of her funniest GIFs, Plaza has a new vision of comedy to offer to the world.
But despite her humor and sassy personality, Plaza has some serious acting chops as well. As anyone who’s seen the video for Father John Misty’s brilliant Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings can tell you, Plaza is a powerful dramatic actress who brings an intense level of rawness and vulnerability under her sarcastic exterior. With Hollywood at her fingertips and more fans continuing to catch on, this may just be the beginning of the Aubrey Plaza takeover.
LA's Leading Ladies 