Aubrey Plaza is getting real about a terrifying medical scare she experienced two decades ago. The White Lotus star, now 40, recently revealed details about the stroke she suffered at just 20 years old while hanging out with friends in New York City.
Reflecting on the shocking incident during the September 11 episode of The Howard Stern Show, Aubrey described the moment her life took an unexpected turn. “It was wild,” she shared. “The craziest—and kind of the coolest—thing about it was that it happened mid-sentence. I had just walked into my friends’ apartment, still wearing my jacket, and it just happened.”
The Parks and Recreation alum went on to explain how the stroke temporarily left her unable to speak and move. “I was paralyzed, but only for a minute or so,” she recalled. “The freakiest part was that I forgot how to talk. It was terrifying.”
Looking back, Aubrey admitted that her friends didn’t immediately realize the seriousness of the situation. “They thought I was joking or doing something stupid,” she said, referencing her playful personality. “After a couple of minutes, they finally asked, ‘Do you want us to call an ambulance?’ and I was aware enough to nod yes.”
But it wasn’t just her friends who were caught off guard—medical professionals also misjudged her condition. Aubrey revealed that when paramedics arrived, they didn’t consider a stroke because of her young age. “They thought I was dehydrated or maybe on drugs,” she said. “But I hadn’t taken anything that day except birth control, which possibly triggered the stroke.”
Thankfully, Aubrey’s recovery was swift, with her brain healing faster than expected. Still, the Megalopolis star says the experience left a lasting impact on how she views life. “It sounds cheesy, but I’m always aware of how precious life is,” she shared. “I try to remember that every day and not take things too seriously. Life is short, so I want to do as much as I can.”
Aubrey’s candid reflection is a reminder of how quickly life can change, and her resilience in the face of such a traumatic experience continues to inspire her fans.
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