Aubrey Plaza Takes On Bold Role As Heidi Fleiss In New Dark Comedy Biopic

Aubrey Plaza Embraces Her Edgy Side

Aubrey Plaza is stepping into one of the most notorious roles of her career, playing the infamous Heidi Fleiss in a riveting dark comedy biopic. Known as the “Hollywood Madam” in the 1990s, Fleiss was at the center of a high-priced prostitution ring that catered to the crème de la crème of Los Angeles society. But her empire came crashing down in 1993 when she faced serious charges, including attempted pandering.

Plaza, now 41, is not just starring in the film but also wearing the producer’s hat, bringing Fleiss’ chaotic saga to life. The film dives deep into the whirlwind months leading up to Fleiss' legal downfall, promising a captivating look at her desperate attempts to manipulate her powerful connections.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza shared, reflecting on the recent loss of her husband. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support.”

Behind the Scenes and Personal Trials

The project marks the directorial debut of Leah Rachel, with production in the capable hands of Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett’s Pinky Promise production company, alongside Plaza’s own Evil Hag. As the cameras prepare to roll in Los Angeles, fans eagerly await a release date to see how Plaza will breathe life into Fleiss’ audacious character.

This role is especially significant for Plaza, following the tragic death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, earlier this year. His passing was a profound personal tragedy for Plaza, who had separated from Baena months prior. Yet, she bravely continues to channel her energy into her work, bringing complex female characters to the screen.

A Legacy of Unique Roles

Plaza has always been drawn to unconventional roles that challenge her as an actress. Her collaboration with Baena on the 2014 film "Life After Beth" showcased her ability to blend emotion with the bizarre, as she portrayed a zombie in a story that metaphorically explored the aftermath of a breakup.

Reflecting on her past work, Plaza once said, “The emotional undercurrent is definitely something that attracted me to the screenplay… it felt like a metaphor for a break-up.” It's this ability to find depth in unusual characters that Plaza brings to her portrayal of Fleiss, promising a performance that is as layered as it is entertaining.