Aubrey Plaza Expecting First Child with Chris Abbott

The actress finds light in new journey after recent personal loss.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:13am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering sequins in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, capturing the glamour and luxury associated with celebrity culture.The glittering, high-fashion textures of celebrity culture reflect the bittersweet journey of Aubrey Plaza's pregnancy announcement.Los Angeles Today

Actress Aubrey Plaza, 41, is pregnant with her first child with partner Chris Abbott, 40. The couple is expecting the baby this fall, with a source saying it was a "beautiful surprise after an emotional year." Plaza's late estranged husband, Jeff Baena, died by suicide in 2025 at age 47. Plaza and Abbott previously worked together on stage and screen.

Why it matters

Plaza's pregnancy comes after a difficult period following the tragic death of her estranged husband. The news offers a glimmer of hope and new beginnings for the actress, who has been open about her struggles with grief. Plaza's journey also highlights the complexities of love, loss, and starting a family after experiencing profound personal tragedy.

The details

Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott, who have collaborated on projects in the past, are expecting their first child together. The pregnancy was described as a "beautiful surprise" for the couple after an "emotional year." Plaza's late husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47. The actress has been candid about the daily struggles of her grief, comparing it to feeling trapped in "a giant ocean of awfulness."

  • Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott are expecting their first child this fall.
  • Plaza's estranged husband, Jeff Baena, died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 47.

The players

Aubrey Plaza

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

Chris Abbott

A 40-year-old actor who is the partner of Aubrey Plaza and the father of her expected child.

Jeff Baena

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

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What they’re saying

“She taught me from a very young age that life is a party and no matter what happens, we have to have fun and move forward, and so I think this book was inspired by that.”

— Aubrey Plaza

“Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you. Overall, I'm here and I'm functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm okay, but it's like a daily struggle, obviously.”

— Aubrey Plaza

The takeaway

Plaza's pregnancy represents a bittersweet new chapter in her life, as she navigates the joy of starting a family while also grieving the tragic loss of her estranged husband. Her openness about her struggles with grief underscores the complex emotions that can accompany major life events after experiencing profound personal tragedy.