Aubrey Plaza Expecting First Child After Husband's Death

The actress is due in the fall, a year after the tragic passing of her spouse.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:33am

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up image of shimmering sequins and shattered glass, capturing the glamour and fragility of celebrity culture.Aubrey Plaza's pregnancy announcement comes amidst the glitz and uncertainty of Hollywood, reflecting the complex emotions of new life after profound loss.Los Angeles Today

Actress Aubrey Plaza, 41, is reportedly pregnant with her first child. The news comes about a year after the death of her husband, screenwriter Jeff Baena, who died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47. Plaza is expecting the baby with her current partner, actor Christopher Abbott.

Why it matters

Plaza's pregnancy announcement comes after a difficult year of mourning the loss of her husband. The news highlights her resilience and ability to find joy after tragedy, while also raising awareness around the challenges of navigating grief and starting a new chapter.

The details

According to a source, Plaza's pregnancy was 'a beautiful surprise after an emotional year' and she and Abbott 'feel very blessed.' Plaza and Baena had separated four months before his death. The actress has been open about her grief, describing it as 'a giant ocean of just awfulness' that is 'always there.' Plaza and Abbott have worked together on projects like the 2020 film 'Black Bear' and the 2023-2024 off-Broadway revival of 'Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.'

  • Plaza's husband, Jeff Baena, died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47.
  • Plaza and Baena had separated four months before his death.
  • Plaza is reportedly due with her first child in the fall of 2026.

The players

Aubrey Plaza

A 41-year-old actress who is expecting her first child with her partner, actor Christopher Abbott.

Jeff Baena

Plaza's late husband, a screenwriter who died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47.

Christopher Abbott

Plaza's current partner, an actor who has worked with her on projects like the 2020 film 'Black Bear' and the 2023-2024 off-Broadway revival of 'Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.'

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What they’re saying

“At all times, there's, like, a giant ocean of just awfulness that's just right there and I can see it. Sometimes I just want to dive into it and be in it. And sometimes I look at it and sometimes I just try to get away from it, but it's always there.”

— Aubrey Plaza

The takeaway

Plaza's pregnancy announcement is a testament to her resilience and ability to find joy after a profound personal tragedy. Her openness about the ongoing challenges of grief serves as a reminder of the complex emotions involved in navigating loss and starting a new chapter.