Aubrey Plaza is set to take on a new role as she anticipates the arrival of her first child with partner Chris Abbott. A spokesperson for Plaza confirmed the news to People magazine, describing it as a delightful surprise following a challenging year and expressing gratitude for the blessing.
Although CBC News has reached out to Plaza’s representatives for comment without receiving a response, it is noteworthy that Plaza, known for her roles in “White Lotus” and “Girls,” and Abbott, who previously co-starred in the 2020 film “Black Bear” and the off-Broadway revival of “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” in 2023, have a history of working together.
Apart from her successful acting career, Plaza is also an author of children’s books. In 2021, she released “The Legend of the Christmas Witch” and followed up with a sequel, “The Return of the Christmas Witch,” in 2022. She shared the inspiration behind the stories during her appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” recounting how she surprises her friends’ children on Christmas morning by trying to “steal their presents,” adding an element of excitement to the holiday.
The news of Plaza’s pregnancy comes just over a year after the passing of her husband, Jeff Baena, in January 2025. Baena, a filmmaker known for works like “I Heart Huckabees” and “The Little Hours,” died by suicide at the age of 47. Plaza publicly addressed Baena’s death during a podcast with Amy Poehler, revealing the ongoing struggle of coping with the loss.
Plaza candidly shared her feelings of grief, likening them to the imagery in the film “The Gorge,” where a deep pit of darkness is always present. She described her grief as a looming presence that she grapples with daily, sometimes wanting to confront it, other times avoiding it, but always mindful of its existence.
For those in need of support, resources such as the Suicide Crisis Helpline and Kids Help Phone in Canada are available to provide assistance. Initiatives like the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention offer access to 24-hour crisis centers for those seeking help or guidance in challenging times.
