Plaza’s Baby Reveal

Speaking on the SmartLess podcast episode released Monday, April 13, the 41-year-old actress revealed she is expecting her first child. “Well, there’s a baby inside of me,” Plaza said, confirming the news to hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.

The episode, currently available behind a subscriber paywall, is scheduled for wider release on April 20. Plaza added that she is “excited” about becoming a first-time mother, describing the experience as something she has long been curious about.

The pregnancy was first reported on April 7, with confirmation that Plaza is expecting a child with actor Chris Abbott. The couple, who previously collaborated on the 2020 indie film Black Bear and later reunited for an Off-Broadway revival of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, are said to be preparing to welcome their baby this fall. Plaza was also recently photographed in New York City, where she debuted her baby bump shortly after the news broke.

Abbott, known for his work in projects like Girls, has maintained a relatively low public profile, mirroring Plaza’s own approach to her personal life. Their creative partnership has been noted by industry observers as a natural extension of the indie film circuit that has long defined both actors’ careers.

The announcement comes in the wake of a difficult period for Plaza. Her estranged husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena — best known for directing projects such as Life After Beth and collaborating frequently with Plaza — died by suicide in January 2025 at age 47. The pair had been married for nearly five years before separating months prior to his death.

In the months that followed, Plaza addressed her grief publicly during an appearance on Good Hang podcast, hosted by longtime collaborator and friend Amy Poehler. Their professional relationship dates back to Parks and Recreation, where Poehler’s mentorship played a formative role in Plaza’s early career.

During that conversation, Plaza described grief as an ongoing process, a sentiment echoed across the industry by actors such as Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, who starred in The Gorge — a project she referenced.

With her pregnancy now confirmed, Plaza enters a new personal chapter while maintaining her steady presence across independent film and mainstream television.