Aubrey Plaza Debuts Pregnancy at 2026 Tony Awards
Actress Aubrey Plaza made her first public appearance since announcing her pregnancy, attending the 2026 Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday, June 7. She was accompanied by her partner, actor Chris Abbott.
A Public Appearance Marked by New Life
The couple arrived at the ceremony wearing coordinated black attire. Plaza was photographed with her hand resting on her baby bump during the event. The pregnancy had been confirmed by both Plaza and Abbott in separate interviews earlier this year, in April.
Abbott received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his work in Death of a Salesman. The award was ultimately presented to Alden Ehrenreich for his performance in Becky Shaw.
Previous Marriage and Passing of Jeff Baena
This will be Plaza's first child. The actress was previously married to filmmaker Jeff Baena. The couple began their relationship in 2011 and quietly married, a fact only revealed in 2021. They separated in September 2024.
Baena died on January 3, 2025. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be suicide by hanging. His body was discovered by an assistant at a residence in the Los Angeles area.
According to reports from PEOPLE, Plaza had requested a friend to conduct a welfare check on Baena in October 2024 following their separation. Baena had reportedly been experiencing personal difficulties and had sought therapy. He nevertheless died by suicide in early 2025.
A Desire for Motherhood
Plaza formally announced her pregnancy during an appearance on the Smartless podcast, hosted by Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes.
Well, there's a baby inside of me. No, I said there is a baby inside of me right now.
When asked about her feelings regarding the child, Plaza expressed a long-held desire for motherhood.
I am. Yeah. I've always wanted, I've always wanted, I've always wanted to see what that's all about, you know? It just seems so interesting, that whole thing.
Plaza and Abbott's Relationship
Plaza and Abbott first met during the production of the 2020 film Black Bear. They later appeared together in the 2023 Off-Broadway production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. According to Plaza, the couple intends to raise their child on the East Coast.