A New Chapter for Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott

Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott, who shared a professional history long before their romance blossomed, have reached a significant milestone. In April 2026, a representative for the Parks and Recreation actress confirmed that she was pregnant with her first child alongside Abbott. Sources close to the couple described the pregnancy as a “beautiful surprise” arriving during a challenging period in the actress’s life.


Navigating Personal Loss

Prior to her relationship with Abbott, Plaza was married to director Jeff Baena for nearly five years. In January 2025, reports confirmed that Baena had died by suicide at the age of 47. At the time, Plaza’s representative shared a heartfelt message: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

Official reports from the Los Angeles medical examiner later noted that Baena had been experiencing personal difficulties and had been separated from Plaza since September 2024. Following the tragedy, Plaza largely retreated from the public eye. During a rare appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast in August 2025, she shared a glimpse into her healing process:

“Overall, I’m here, and I’m functioning, and I feel grateful to be moving through the world. I think, like, I’m OK, but it’s a daily struggle, obviously.”

A Timeline of Their Connection

The couple's relationship evolved gradually over several years:

  • December 2020: The two collaborated for the first time on the set of the thriller Black Bear.
  • October 2023: Plaza and Abbott reunited professionally to star in the Off-Broadway production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.
  • July 2025: Rumors regarding their romance began to circulate after they were spotted together at The Chatham Berry Farm near New York City.
  • November 2025: Their relationship became more apparent to the public after they were seen attending a New York Knicks game together.
  • March 2026: Plaza sparked pregnancy speculation during Paris Fashion Week, where she appeared in oversized attire.

Welcoming a New Addition

Following the pregnancy confirmation in April 2026, the couple entered parenthood shortly after. According to media reports, Plaza gave birth to their first child in July 2026. By August 9, 2026, the actress was photographed holding her newborn while departing from Abbott’s final performance in Death of a Salesman, effectively confirming that the couple had welcomed their baby into the world.