Gaius Rubellius Plautus (33–62 AD), through his mother Claudia Julia, was a relative to the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Claudia Julia was the daughter of Drusus Julius Caesar and Livilla.

Plautus' father was Gaius Rubellius Blandus. Blandus' family was originally from the Tibur and his grandfather was a knight. Blandus had been a Quaestor,Tribune of the People, Praetor, Consul and Proconsul of Africa in his legal career.

His father died in 38 AD. Between 43 and 45 AD, Claudia Julia became an innocent victim to the intrigues of Empress Messalina. One possibility is that Plautus was seen as a rival to her son Britannicus. Roman Emperor Claudius (who was notably husband to Messalina, father to Brittanicus, and maternal uncle to Claudia Julia) did not secure any legal defense for his niece. Consequently Claudia Julia was executed. However Claudia Julia was considered to be a virtuous person by those who knew her.

Plautus married Antistia Pollitta, daughter to Lucius Antistius Vetus. His father-in-law served as Consul in 55, Legatus of Germania Superior in 55-56, Proconsul of Asia in 64 - 65. Plautus is considered a loving husband and father. The names of his children however are not known.

During 60, probably in fear of his second cousin and current Augustus Nero, Plautus retired from public life and went to his family estates in Asia with his family.

In 62 AD Plautus was executed by Nero. When his head was given to Nero by a freedman, Nero mocked how frightening the long nose of Plautus was.

In 66 AD his wife, children and father-in-law were executed. Being victims to the increasing brutality of Nero.

His sister Rubellia Bussa married the brother of Sergia Plautilla, mother of later Emperor Nerva.

Plautus was repoortedly old fashioned in tastes, his bearing austere and lived a secluded life. He was respected much by his peers.