Aubrey Plaza, 41, is expecting her first child with partner Christopher Abbott, 40, marking a hopeful turn after a year of personal tragedy and health struggles. The actress, known for her role in The White Lotus, suffered the loss of her estranged husband Jeff Baena to suicide in January 2025, and had previously endured a stroke at age 20 that left her temporarily paralysed.
According to a source speaking to People, the pregnancy came as 'a beautiful surprise after an emotional year'. The news was revealed this week, with the source adding that Plaza feels 'very blessed' and is looking forward to the future.
Plaza's path to happiness has been fraught with difficulty. In January 2025, Baena, 47, was found dead at the couple's Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's autopsy report, obtained by DailyMail.com, confirmed the death as suicide and revealed that the couple had separated in September 2024, four months before his death. The report noted that Baena had been 'experiencing marital difficulties' and had been in therapy.
The actress had also faced a serious health scare two decades ago. In 2004, while studying at New York University, she suffered a stroke that left her briefly paralysed and unable to speak. She recounted the incident on Sirius XM's Howard Stern Show in 2024, explaining that her friends called paramedics who initially thought she was on drugs. Doctors later diagnosed it as a stroke, and she has since experienced minor transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs).
Despite these challenges, Plaza has rebuilt her life away from the spotlight. Her relationship with Abbott, 40, has brought renewed happiness, and the couple are now preparing to welcome their first child. The news has been met with support from fans and colleagues, as Plaza embarks on this new chapter.
