Aubrey Plaza'S Joyful Turn: Expecting A Baby After Heartbreaking Loss

A New Chapter for Aubrey Plaza

Our favorite deadpan actress from Parks and Recreation and The White Lotus is stepping into a new role – motherhood! Aubrey Plaza, who faced the unimaginable heartache of losing her husband Jeff Baena in January 2025, is now expecting her first child with partner Chris Abbott.

The exciting news was officially confirmed on April 8, 2026, by a representative to PEOPLE magazine. This announcement brought a wave of joy to fans and friends alike, celebrating a fresh start for the beloved actress.

"It's a beautiful surprise," shared an insider close to the couple, "especially after such an emotional year."

Spotting the Clues

Aubrey's fans had already started piecing together the clues when she appeared at the 2026 Paris Fashion Week. Sporting chic yet loose-fitting outfits, like an oversized leather jacket at the Loewe show and a baggy red polo shirt at the Lacoste show, the 41-year-old actress seemed to be embracing her pregnancy with style.

Her partner, Chris Abbott, is no stranger to Aubrey's creative world. The couple previously collaborated on the off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea and the 2020 film Black Bear.

Remembering Jeff Baena

Aubrey's journey to this joyful news has been bittersweet. Her late husband, screenwriter and director Jeff Baena, tragically passed away by suicide in January 2025. The couple had been together since 2011 and married in 2021.

In a candid conversation on Amy Poehler's podcast Good Hang, Aubrey opened up about her emotional journey through the past year. "Overall, I’m here and I’m functioning," she expressed. "I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I’m OK, but it’s like a daily struggle, obviously."

What's Next for Aubrey?

Despite the challenges, Aubrey has continued to shine in her career. In 2025, she graced the screen in films like Honey Don’t! alongside Margaret Qualley and Chris Evans, and took the stage in Ethan Coen's off-Broadway play Let’s Love!.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises more excitement with the release of Animal Friends in May and a potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Doomsday. Plus, she's set to star in and produce The Heidi Fleiss Story, portraying the infamous "Hollywood madam."

Aubrey Plaza is proving that even after enduring deep sorrow, life can bring unexpected and beautiful surprises.