Aubrey Plaza Pregnant For The First Time Over A Year After Husband’s Tragic Passing

Apr 08, 2026 by apost team

Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of suicide that may be troubling for some readers.

Aubrey Plaza has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most distinctive performers, known for her dry wit, deadpan delivery, and unconventional charm. Born on June 26, 1984, in Wilmington, Delaware, she rose to prominence through comedy, particularly her breakout role as April Ludgate on the TV show “Parks and Recreation.” Over time, she expanded into films and more dramatic roles, appearing in projects like “Safety Not Guaranteed” and “The White Lotus,” showcasing a wider emotional range beyond her comedic roots.

While Plaza tends to keep her personal life relatively private, her love life has still drawn public interest over the years, largely because it contrasts with her often offbeat on-screen persona. One of her earliest known long-term relationships was with writer and director Jeff Baena. The two began dating around 2011 and maintained a low-profile relationship for many years, frequently collaborating creatively. Baena directed Plaza in several projects, including the dark comedy “Life After Beth” and “The Little Hours,” blending their personal and professional lives in a way that seemed to suit Plaza’s unconventional approach to both romance and career.

Despite rarely discussing their private life in detail, Plaza occasionally shared glimpses of their dynamic in interviews, often with her signature humor. In 2021, she revealed that she and Baena had gotten married, describing the announcement in a casual and understated way that reflected her personality. The marriage appeared to be less about spectacle and more about a deep, longstanding partnership built over a decade.

However, tragedy hit when it was announced that Baena had died by suicide on Jan. 3, 2025, at the age of 47. Plaza opened up about his passing to Amy Poehler on her podcast Good Hang, detailing her “a terrible, terrible, tragic year”.

“Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I’m OK, but it’s like a daily struggle, obviously,” Plaza told Poehler.

More than a year later, however, it was reported that Plaza, 41, was pregnant with her first child with her partner, actor Chris Abbott. She and Abbott had worked together on the 2020 film “Black Bear.”

In confirming the baby news to People, a source told the outlet:

“It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year.”

The insider also added that the couple “feel very blessed.”

Plaza and Abbott, 40, had also previously collaborated on the Off-Broadway revival of “Danny.”

Abbott first gained widespread recognition for his role as Charlie Dattolo in the HBO series “Girls,” created by Lena Dunham. His portrayal of the sensitive yet conflicted boyfriend stood out for its realism, though he eventually left the show to pursue other creative opportunities that aligned more closely with his artistic goals.

He quickly built a reputation in the indie film world, starring in critically acclaimed projects like “James White,” where he played a troubled young man caring for his terminally ill mother. The performance earned him significant praise for its raw emotional depth. Abbott continued to take on challenging and unconventional roles in films such as “It Comes at Night” and “Piercing,” often gravitating toward darker, character-driven stories.

In addition to film, Abbott has maintained a strong presence in television, appearing in adaptations like “Catch-22,” based on the novel by Joseph Heller, and later taking on a major role in “The Crowded Room” alongside Tom Holland.

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Heartiest congratulations to Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott on their happy baby news! Do you keep up with celebrity baby news, too? Let us know your wishes for the couple, and then pass this on to family and friends who would love to hear about it, too!

If you or anybody you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please call Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit Befrienders Worldwide - Global Suicide Prevention to find your local suicide prevention hotline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.