Aubrey Plaza is set to take on a new role as she anticipates her first child with partner Chris Abbott. A spokesperson for Plaza confirmed the news to People magazine, describing it as a delightful surprise following a challenging year and expressing gratitude for the blessing.
While CBC News has reached out to Plaza’s representatives for comment without receiving a response, it is known that the White Lotus star and Girls actor have a longstanding working relationship. Plaza and Abbott have collaborated on various projects, including the 2020 film Black Bear and an off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea in 2023.
Beyond her successful acting career, Plaza is also known as the author of several children’s books. In recent years, she released The Legend of the Christmas Witch in 2021, followed by a sequel, The Return of the Christmas Witch, in 2022. During an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show last October, Plaza shared the inspiration behind her stories, revealing a playful tradition involving her friends’ children on Christmas morning.
The news of Plaza’s pregnancy comes just over a year after the passing of her husband, Jeff Baena, in January 2025. Baena, a filmmaker known for his indie works like I Heart Huckabees and The Little Hours, tragically died by suicide at the age of 47. Plaza publicly addressed her late husband’s death during an interview on Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang, expressing the ongoing struggle of coping with the loss.
In her candid conversation with Poehler, Plaza described her grief as a constant presence in her life, drawing parallels to the 2025 film The Gorge. She likened her experience to the film’s depiction of a dark pit surrounded by cliffs, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of her sorrow.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, support is available through resources such as Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline and Kids Help Phone. Organizations like the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention also offer assistance through 24-hour crisis centers. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health provides guidance on discussing suicide with individuals in need.