In a year marked by both heartbreak and hope, Aubrey Plaza, the acclaimed actress known for her deadpan wit and memorable roles in "Parks and Recreation" and "Black Bear," is stepping into a new chapter of her life. On April 7, 2026, multiple sources confirmed that Plaza is expecting her first child with actor Christopher Abbott, her co-star in several projects and now, her partner in life. The news, described by those close to the couple as "a beautiful surprise after an emotional year," has brought a sense of joy and renewal following a period of profound personal loss for Plaza.
According to PEOPLE and corroborated by other outlets, Plaza, 41, and Abbott, 40, are preparing to welcome their baby in the fall of 2026. The couple's journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Their professional paths first crossed in the 2020 psychological drama "Black Bear," a twisty film that saw them play creative collaborators entangled in a dangerous mutual attraction. Plaza not only starred in but also co-produced the film, which premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and it wasn't long before they reunited for another intense project: the off-Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea," which ran from October 2023 through January 2024.
The timeline of Plaza and Abbott's relationship remains somewhat private. While it's unclear exactly when their partnership turned romantic, their artistic collaborations have been well-documented. As Plaza told The New York Times in 2023, working with Abbott was both fun and grounding. "He cares but he also doesn’t care; it’s the best recipe for me for a scene partner. 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." Abbott echoed her sentiment, saying, "We’re both unafraid to be ugly and weird and strange." Their mutual respect and creative synergy seem to have laid a solid foundation for their partnership offstage as well.
The news of Plaza's pregnancy comes after a period of significant emotional turmoil. In January 2025, Plaza's husband, screenwriter and director Jeff Baena, died by suicide at the age of 47. The couple had met in 2011, married in 2021, and quietly separated in September 2024, months before Baena's death. Plaza has spoken openly about her grief, sharing with her former "Parks and Recreation" co-star Amy Poehler in August 2025 that her sorrow was "always there." In a particularly candid reflection, she described her grief as "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." Despite the pain, Plaza has expressed gratitude for the support around her, saying, "Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning," and, "I’m very grateful to be moving through the world."
Abbott, for his part, has also had his share of public relationships, having been romantically linked to actress Olivia Cooke in 2016, though that relationship ended the same year. Since then, Abbott has continued to build his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor, most recently starring in "The Testament of Ann Lee" and gearing up for a role in Zoe Kazan's highly anticipated series adaptation of "East of Eden." He is also currently taking the stage in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s "Death of a Salesman," appearing alongside theater heavyweights Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf.
Plaza, meanwhile, hasn't slowed down in her career. She recently starred in Ethan Coen’s black comedy "Honey Don’t!" and is set to appear with Dan Levy in the upcoming film "Animal Friends." Her ability to balance a flourishing professional life with deeply personal challenges has drawn admiration from fans and colleagues alike.
In March 2026, Plaza attended Paris Fashion Week, making headlines not just for her fashion choices but for the way she cleverly concealed her pregnancy. At the Loewe Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show, she opted for an oversized black leather jacket paired with a red sweater and booties, keeping her baby bump under wraps. At the Lacoste presentation, she chose a loose-fitting orange polo and mini skirt, further fueling speculation. According to Page Six, her representatives have not commented directly on her pregnancy, but the stylish subterfuge at such a high-profile event spoke volumes.
The couple’s friends and colleagues have described the pregnancy as a beacon of hope after a difficult period. "It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year," a source told PEOPLE, adding that the couple feels "very blessed." The sentiment has been echoed across entertainment news outlets, with many noting the resilience Plaza has shown in the face of adversity.
For those who have followed Plaza’s career, this next chapter feels like a poignant continuation of her story—one marked by both vulnerability and strength. She has never shied away from sharing the complexities of her emotions, whether through her characters or in real life. Her openness about grief, love, and now, impending motherhood, has only deepened the connection she shares with her audience.
As for Abbott, his transition from co-star to partner and soon-to-be father has unfolded quietly, away from the glare of the tabloids. His ongoing work on stage and screen reflects a commitment to his craft, but those close to the couple say he is excited to embrace fatherhood alongside Plaza.
The coming months will undoubtedly bring new challenges and joys for Plaza and Abbott. With a baby on the way, successful careers, and the support of friends and fans, the pair are poised to begin a new and hopeful chapter. In the midst of loss and change, they have found reason to celebrate—a reminder, perhaps, that even after the darkest storms, light can break through.