Aubrey Plaza is preparing to welcome her first child, a development that comes over a year after the tragic passing of her husband, Jeff Baena. The 41-year-old actress is expecting a baby with her partner, Christopher Abbott, known for his role in Girls. The pregnancy is confirmed by a representative, with the due date set for autumn.
Described as “a beautiful surprise after an emotional year,” the couple reportedly feels deeply blessed by this new chapter in their lives. This news follows a profoundly challenging period for Plaza, who lost Baena, a screenwriter and director, to suicide in January 2025. Baena was 47 years old at the time, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
In a candid conversation on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Plaza opened up about her journey through grief. She expressed gratitude for being able to continue functioning despite the ongoing struggle, saying, “I feel like I’m here and I’m functioning… I feel really grateful to be moving through the world,” while acknowledging that coping remains a daily challenge.
Since Baena’s death, Plaza has maintained a relatively low profile, making only occasional public appearances and gradually resuming her professional work.
Plaza first rose to prominence with her role as April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation, and has since developed a diverse filmography including titles such as Ingrid Goes West, Emily the Criminal, and Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. She is also slated to star in the upcoming film The Accompanist.
Notably, Plaza and Abbott have collaborated before, sharing the stage in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea and appearing together in the 2020 movie Black Bear. This pregnancy marks a hopeful new beginning for the couple following a period of profound loss.
