Aubrey Plaza Embraces Motherhood Journey with Christopher Abbott
Actress Aubrey Plaza, aged 41, is entering a new chapter of her life as she anticipates the arrival of her first child. The star, known for her role in Parks and Recreation, is expecting a baby with actor Christopher Abbott, who is 40 years old. This joyful news comes just over a year after the tragic death of her estranged husband, Jeff Baena, who died by suicide at the age of 47.
Nesting Mode in New York City
Recently, Plaza was spotted in New York City, where she appeared to be in full nesting mode. While walking her dog, she passed a woman pushing a child in a Vista carriage and took a keen interest in the four-wheeler, sizing it up through her black sunglasses. She concealed her baby bump under a white, fleece, quarter-zip pullover and wore a beige baseball cap over her brunette locks. Her comfortable ensemble was completed with white socks and mauve-colored New Balance sneakers, showcasing her relaxed yet stylish approach to this new phase.
Podcast Confirmation and Quirky Humor
Plaza broke her silence on the pregnancy during an episode of the Smartless podcast, which was shared on Monday. In her signature quirky style, she told hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, "Well, there's a baby inside of me. No, I said there's a baby inside of me right now." She elaborated on a recent doctor's visit, humorously noting that both she and her dog had undergone scans. "She had to get an ultrasound on her stomach…And then I got an ultrasound on my stomach, and there is a baby in there," Plaza shared, adding with a laugh, "It already has a cloak and a little hat. I think it's gonna come out."
When asked about her excitement for becoming a first-time mom, Plaza responded positively, saying, "I am. Yeah. I’ve always wanted to see what that’s all about, you know?" This heartfelt admission highlights her enthusiasm for the journey ahead.
Romance and Career Collaborations
Plaza and Abbott have kept their romance largely private until the baby announcement. The couple was recently pictured together at the opening night afterparty for the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman at Katz's Deli in New York City, marking their first public appearance since the news broke. Their relationship has blossomed through professional collaborations, including:
- The indie psychological drama Black Bear in 2019
- The Off Broadway revival of Danny And The Deep Blue Sea, which ran from October 2023 to January 2024
Personal Challenges and Resilience
Plaza's pregnancy follows a difficult period in her life. She and screenwriter Jeff Baena had been separated since September 2024, as revealed by an LA County Medical Examiner's autopsy report obtained by DailyMail.com. Baena's body was discovered in Los Angeles on January 3, 2025, after he took his own life. Plaza was living in New York at the time.
In August of last year, Plaza opened up about her grief on former co-star Amy Poehler's podcast, Good Hang. She shared, "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." This candid reflection underscores her resilience as she navigates both loss and new beginnings.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
