Aubrey Plaza, the acclaimed actress known for her enigmatic roles, is expecting her first child with actor Christopher Abbott, marking a significant new chapter in her life. The couple's relationship, which had remained private until now, was confirmed by Plaza's representative on April 7.
Plaza and Abbott's connection dates back to at least 2019, when they co-starred in the independent film Black Bear. In the psychological thriller, they portrayed a married couple, with Abbott playing a director who emotionally manipulates Plaza's character to elicit a performance. Reflecting on the film in 2021, Plaza described it as "a real artistic labor of love," noting she drew from personal experiences for the role.
"Without sharing too much from my personal life, I knew if I decided to do this movie, it was going to be really painful," Plaza told the Los Angeles Times. "I have worked over the years with a process of using the things that have happened in my real life, the struggles I’m going through...using it as a cathartic process."
The actress has historically been guarded about her private life. She was married to filmmaker Jeff Baena for over a decade, though she only publicly revealed their marriage in May 2021. The couple had a "very impulsive" backyard wedding in 2020 during the pandemic lockdown. Tragically, Baena died by suicide in January 2025, less than four months after the pair had separated. Plaza moved from Los Angeles to New York in September 2024.
In an August interview, Plaza opened up about her grief, comparing it to "a giant ocean of, just, awfulness that's right there." She described it as a "daily struggle" but emphasized her efforts to move forward.
Plaza and Abbott reunited professionally in 2023 for an off-Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, where they played two damaged individuals who find connection. Abbott praised their dynamic during rehearsals, stating, "We’re both unafraid to be ugly and weird and strange."
"We’re doing this play every night for an audience, but I think you also have to do it for each other," Abbott told the New York Times. "We want to entertain the audience, but I personally want to entertain Aubrey."
The play's director, Jeff Ward, noted their chemistry was evident from their previous collaboration, saying, "From Black Bear, it was clear that it was going to be electric. There was no ‘getting to know you’ section."
Plaza has previously expressed her desire for children. In a 2014 interview, she remarked, "I really weirdly want them right now, but it’s not great timing. But I also feel, like, when is it ever good timing?"
Now, with this pregnancy announcement, Plaza and Abbott are embarking on a real-life journey together, blending their professional synergy with a personal milestone.