Aubrey Plaza Announces Pregnancy with First Child on Smartless Podcast
Aubrey Plaza has publicly confirmed her pregnancy with her first child, sharing the joyful news during an upcoming episode of the Smartless podcast. The 41-year-old actress, best known for her roles in The White Lotus and Parks and Recreation, revealed she is expecting with her partner, actor Christopher Abbott, 40.
Podcast Revelation and Emotional Journey
During the podcast recording, Plaza 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." The trio expressed disbelief and excitement as Plaza explained she had visited the doctor for an ultrasound earlier that day, coinciding with her dog's veterinary appointment. "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," she recounted.
When asked if she was excited about becoming a first-time mother, Plaza replied, "I am. Yeah. I've always wanted to see what that's all about, you know? It just seems so interesting, that whole thing." This announcement comes one year after the tragic death of her estranged husband, Jeff Baena, by suicide in January 2025.
Public Appearances and Relationship Details
Plaza and Abbott were recently photographed together at the opening night afterparty for the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman at Katz's Deli in New York City. The couple, who put on a cozy display, have kept their relationship relatively private. They first worked together in 2019 on the indie psychological drama Black Bear, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim.
Their collaboration continued in 2023 with the Off Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's play Danny And The Deep Blue Sea. A source told People magazine, "It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year," adding that the couple feels "very blessed." The baby, whose gender has not been disclosed, is due in the fall.
Background on Christopher Abbott and Past Tragedy
Christopher Abbott is best known for playing Marnie's on-off boyfriend on HBO's Girls. His career includes roles in films such as A Most Violent Year, James White, and Poor Things. Plaza's pregnancy follows a difficult period after her separation from Baena in September 2024 and his subsequent death. An autopsy report revealed Baena had been experiencing marital difficulties and was in therapy, with Plaza expressing concern for his well-being prior to his passing.
Plaza made a subtle tribute to Baena during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special in February 2025 by wearing a tie-dye shirt, referencing their matching wedding attire. On her Good Hang podcast last August, she described grief as "a giant ocean of awfulness" that is always present, highlighting her emotional resilience.
Career Highlights and Future Projects
Aubrey Plaza's career spans from her breakout role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation to recent projects like Emily The Criminal and My Old A**. She has also appeared in Legion and The White Lotus. Abbott will next star in a Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck's East of Eden alongside Florence Pugh. The couple's journey from co-stars to partners underscores a shared passion for acting and creative collaboration.
