Aubrey Plaza Expecting First Child, Igniting Buzz over Mystery Partner — Photos

Aubrey Plaza's appearances at fashion events may have subtly concealed the pregnancy, as reports pointed to a partner, nearly a year after the death of her filmmaker husband.

After a year marked by loss, "The White Lotus" star Aubrey Plaza continued making public appearances with little to suggest a major personal shift.

But behind those appearances, a more personal development had quietly taken shape, involving a new partner and a shift in her life that has only recently come into focus.

An Announcement After a Difficult Year

Aubrey Plaza is pregnant and expecting her first child with her new partner, according to a source who spoke to People. A representative for the actress confirmed the news.

"It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year," the source said, adding that "they feel very blessed." Plaza is reportedly due this fall.

The pregnancy comes after the death of her husband, Jeff Baena, in January 2025, marking a new chapter in her personal life. But in the weeks leading up to the announcement, there were subtle signs that now appear more telling.

The Subtle Ways Aubrey Plaza Kept Her Pregnancy Hidden

At Paris Fashion Week on March 6, 2026, she stepped out in oversized silhouettes, layering a black leather coat over a red top that subtly obscured her midsection.

She wore her wavy hair loose and paired the look with dark sunglasses and light blue pointed heels, maintaining an understated, low-key style.

Just days later, on March 8, she stepped out in a loose red poncho-style top paired with a pleated skirt. She completed the outfit with a green purse and orange heels, adding a bold, coordinated finish.

Together, these choices may have helped her keep the pregnancy out of view while remaining firmly in the spotlight.

Now, as those moments are revisited, attention is shifting toward the new person in Plaza's life.

Who Is Aubrey Plaza's Reported Partner?

According to the same report, Plaza is expecting a child with actor Christopher Abbott.

The two have worked together on multiple projects, including the 2020 psychological drama "Black Bear," where Plaza played Allison, and Abbott portrayed Gabe. The film follows a filmmaker confronting personal and creative struggles in isolation.

They reunited in 2023 for the Off-Broadway production "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea," a two-character play centered on emotionally complex individuals forming an unexpected bond.

Abbott has several accolades to his name, including Critics' Choice Awards and Golden Globe nominations, and has built a body of work across both film and theater. He is known for performances in "James White," "It Comes at Night," "Possessor," and "Poor Things."

While their work together has been widely seen, a closer look at their past collaborations offers insight into how that dynamic has taken shape.

What Their Past Collaborations May Reveal

In a September 2023 interview with The New York Times, Plaza spoke about working with Abbott while promoting their Off-Broadway production of "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea."

The play required both actors to engage with emotionally intense material and closely shared scenes. "He cares but he also doesn't care; it's the best recipe for me for a scene partner," she said.

Abbott described their approach as being "unafraid to be ugly and weird and strange," reflecting the demands of the roles they portrayed. "I guess I like to entertain him as well," Plaza told the media outlet.

At the time, their remarks focused on their professional dynamic, offering insight into a collaboration that has continued across multiple projects.

While the pregnancy and reports of a new partner marked a fresh chapter, Plaza also spoke candidly about the grief that had shaped the past year.

As reported in August 2025, Plaza opened up for the first time about the grief she had been navigating since the death of her husband. Her gestures and emotional responses drew heartfelt reactions from netizens.

Appearing on the August 19, 2025, episode of "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," Plaza gave an emotional account of how she had been coping in the months since his passing.

When Poehler asked how she was feeling in the moment, Plaza responded with quiet honesty. "I'm here and I'm functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm okay, but it's like a daily struggle, obviously," she said.

To help Poehler understand the emotional intensity of what she was feeling, Plaza referenced the horror film "The Gorge," explaining that a particular scene had unexpectedly mirrored her own experience with grief. In the movie, characters were trapped between cliffs.

She recalled that the film's characters faced danger from a monstrous force below — a visual that stuck with her.

"There's like a giant, like, ocean of just awfulness that's, like, right there, and I can, like, see it, and, like, sometimes I just want to, like, just dive into it and just, like, be in it. And then sometimes I just, like, look at it, and then sometimes I'm, like, I just try to get away from it — but it's always there," she explained.

Plaza's vulnerability struck a chord across social media. On Instagram, a supporter pointed out, "She looks and sounds so broken 💔 🥺," while a second added, "Awe man , I haven't seen her in while 😢 prayers for her 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️🥺."

A third noted, "You can see the pain in her eyes 😕," while another chimed in, "She is soo [sic] sad and vulnerable." A different viewer simply responded with, "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😢😢😢."

Meanwhile, on YouTube, viewers praised Plaza's honesty and strength. "Absolutely love Aubrey Plaza. Wishing her the best. So glad Amy mentioned it. We love you Aubrey. You're incredible," one fan shared.

Another commented, "I hope Aubrey is doing well. She's been through a lot of grief this last couple years." Someone else remarked, "The most raw and real I've ever seen her, she’s obviously hurting hard but just to be real here is inspiring, I just want to hug her."

With her pregnancy confirmed and details about her personal life still limited, the focus remains on what has been shared so far, while much of Auburey Plaza's next chapter continues to unfold privately.