Congratulations are in order for Aubrey Plaza and her partner, Chris Abbott, who are expecting their first child together! The actress’s representative confirmed the happy news to People on Tuesday, with the baby expected to arrive in the fall.
Aubrey and Chris, who have largely kept their romance under wraps, first worked together on the 2020 film Black Bear, before co-starring in the 2023-2024 off-Broadway play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.
The Parks and Recreation star rarely speaks about her personal life, yet revealed that she and Chris connected while working on the play in 2023.
“He cares, but he also doesn’t care; it’s the best recipe for me for a scene partner,” she told The New York Times. “It’s fun, and it’s also good, and it’s also safe. I like to just throw things out the window, also, and laugh and mess around and not take it so seriously. It’s a hard combo to come by.”
“We’re both unafraid to be ugly and weird and strange,” she added. Aubrey’s baby news comes more than a year after the death of her estranged husband, Jeff Baena, in January 2025.
She began dating the acclaimed director in 2011, and they married during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, before quietly separating in September 2024. They collaborated on several projects, including 2014’s Life After Beth, The Little Hours in 2017, and 2022’s Horse Girl and Spin Me Round.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesAfter Jeff’s passing, Aubrey and his family released a joint statement to the press. “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” they said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”
A month later, the actress appeared on Saturday Night Live wearing a tie-dye shirt as a homage to Jeff, who made them during the pandemic.
© Mark DavisAubrey got candid about her grief on the Good Hang podcast, hosted by her former co-star, Amy Poehler. “Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you,” she shared with Amy. “Overall, I’m here, and I’m functioning.”
© George PimentelThe star added that she was “very grateful to be moving through the world” and felt “okay”.
© SNL/NBC“At all times, there’s 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.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
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