Aubrey Plaza recently opened up about a life-altering experience she had at the young age of 20: suffering a stroke. The 40-year-old actress, best known for her role in Agatha All Along, shared the details during an interview on The Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM.
In the interview, Plaza revealed the frightening details of that day and the shocking moment when she realised something was seriously wrong. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It was wild,” explaining how the stroke hit unexpectedly in the middle of a conversation.
Recalling the moment, she shared, “The craziest thing about it — and kind of the coolest thing about it — it happened mid-sentence.” She described how she had gone to visit friends in Astoria, New York, and was just arriving at their apartment when the stroke occurred. “I took the train to Astoria to have lunch with my friends, and I walked into their apartment — I hadn’t even taken my jacket off — and it just happened.”
Plaza explained that the stroke led to a brief moment of paralysis. She said, “That’s when I was paralyzed, but only really for a minute or something. I lost my motor skills really briefly.” The physical impact of the stroke, though terrifying, wasn’t the most unsettling part for Plaza. What truly shook her was losing her ability to speak. “The freakiest thing was I forgot how to talk,” she revealed.
Despite the severity of her health scare, Plaza has gone on to have an impressive career in Hollywood. She’s known for her dry wit and deadpan delivery in beloved roles like April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation and her more recent work in shows like The White Lotus and Agatha: Coven of Chaos. Her resilience in the face of such a terrifying medical episode speaks to her strength both as a person and as a performer.
Plaza’s revelation has drawn attention not only to her personal experience but also to the broader issue of stroke awareness, particularly for young adults. It’s a reminder that even those who seem healthy and vibrant can face unexpected medical challenges.
Though she describes the moment as both “wild” and “freaky,” Aubrey Plaza’s candidness about her stroke adds another layer to her already multi-dimensional persona. From the outside, she appears to have it all together, but her story is a testament to the fact that no one is immune to life’s unpredictable events.
