Aubrey Plaza Announces Pregnancy with New Partner Chris Abbott
In a heartwarming turn of events, actress Aubrey Plaza, best known for her roles in The White Lotus and Parks and Recreation, is expecting her first child. The 41-year-old star and her partner, actor Chris Abbott, 40, are preparing to welcome a baby this autumn, according to sources close to the couple.
A Beautiful Surprise After a Year of Grief
This pregnancy comes as a "beautiful surprise" following an emotionally challenging period for Plaza. It has been just over a year since the tragic death of her husband, Jeff Baena, who passed away by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47. Baena was found at his home near the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles, and reports indicated he was estranged from Plaza at the time.
An insider revealed to People magazine, "It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year. They feel very blessed." The couple has not made a public announcement, but the news has spread through close sources, highlighting their joy amidst past sorrow.
Navigating Loss and New Beginnings
Plaza and Baena had been together for over a decade, marrying in 2021. Following his death, Plaza retreated from the public eye, deleting her social media accounts to grieve privately. In a statement at the time, she and her family expressed, "This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."
It wasn't until August 2025 that Plaza first opened up about her grief on longtime friend Amy Poehler's podcast. She described grief as a "giant ocean of awfulness," admitting, "Sometimes I just want to dive in. Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But, it's always there." This candid reflection underscores the profound impact of her loss.
Who Is Chris Abbott?
Chris Abbott is an American actor recognized for his roles in the cult sitcom Girls and the 2023 hit film Poor Things alongside Emma Stone. He has also appeared in movies such as Kraven the Hunter, Wolf Man, and The Testament of Ann Lee with Amanda Seyfried.
Abbott and Plaza have a professional history, having worked together on an Off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea and the 2020 film Black Bear. Despite their collaboration, the couple has maintained a low profile regarding their romance, keeping their relationship out of the spotlight until now.
A New Chapter in Hollywood
This pregnancy marks a significant new chapter for Plaza, blending personal joy with professional success. As she prepares for motherhood, fans and colleagues are celebrating this positive news after a year of hardship. The story resonates as a testament to resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
While Plaza and Abbott continue to keep their private life discreet, this development has captured public attention, offering a glimpse into their journey of healing and happiness. The entertainment community watches with support as they embark on this next phase together.
