Aubrey Plaza is anticipating her first child with partner Chris Abbott, marking a new chapter for the actress. The news was officially confirmed by Plaza’s representative to People magazine, describing the pregnancy as a delightful surprise following a challenging year. While Plaza’s representatives were contacted by CBC News for further comment, no response has been received yet.
Although Plaza and Abbott had not publicly acknowledged their relationship before, they have a shared history as co-stars. The duo appeared together in the 2020 movie “Black Bear” and also collaborated on the off-Broadway revival of “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” in 2023.
Apart from her thriving career in Hollywood, Plaza is also known as the author of multiple children’s books. In recent years, she released titles like “The Legend of the Christmas Witch” in 2021 and its sequel, “The Return of the Christmas Witch,” in 2022. Plaza revealed on a segment of “The Drew Barrymore Show” that her inspiration for these stories stems from surprising kids during Christmas morning festivities.
The announcement of Plaza’s pregnancy comes about a year after the tragic passing of her husband, Jeff Baena. The couple had been together for three years before parting ways in September 2024. Baena, known for his work as a director and writer in independent cinema, tragically died by suicide at the age of 47 in January 2025.
In a podcast appearance on Amy Poehler’s show, “Good Hang,” Plaza shared her ongoing struggle with grief following Baena’s death. Drawing an analogy to the film “The Gorge,” Plaza described her grief as a looming presence, much like a vast pit of darkness and monsters flanked by towering cliffs.
For those in need of support, various helplines and resources are available, including Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988 and Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention also provides access to 24-hour crisis centers. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health offers guidance on discussing suicide with individuals who may be struggling.
