Chris Pratt, the actor who once played Aubrey Plaza's on-screen husband in the beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation, expressed his joy over her pregnancy announcement this week, calling it an "amazing chapter" in her life.
Speaking to E! News on Tuesday, April 28, Pratt, 46, shared his enthusiasm for Plaza, 41, as she prepares to welcome her first child. "She’s going to do great," Pratt said. "She’s going to be a fantastic mother. She’s [a] very caring person." He added, "It’s gonna be an amazing chapter for her. We’re all very excited for her."
The comments come amid news that broke earlier this month about Plaza's pregnancy with her partner, Chris Abbott. The couple was first linked romantically in late 2025, less than a year after the tragic death of Plaza's estranged husband, Jeff Baena, who died by suicide at age 47 in January 2025.
Plaza's representative issued a statement at the time to Us Weekly on behalf of the actress and her family. "This is an unimaginable tragedy," the rep said. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time."
Baena, a filmmaker known for directing movies like Life After Beth and Horse Girl, had been married to Plaza since 2012, though they had reportedly been estranged in the years leading up to his death. The couple's relationship had been a subject of quiet speculation in Hollywood circles, but Plaza has largely kept details private.
Several months after the loss, Plaza opened up about her grief during an appearance on Amy Poehler's podcast, Good Hang, in August 2025. Poehler, Plaza's former co-star from Parks and Recreation, provided a supportive platform for the actress to reflect on her experience.
"Overall, I’m here, and I’m functioning, and I feel grateful to be moving through the world," Plaza said on the episode. "I think, like, I’m OK, but it’s a daily struggle, obviously." She described the emotional weight of her loss in vivid terms, noting the constant presence of sorrow.
"At all times, there’s like a giant ocean of awfulness that’s, like, right there, and I can see it, and sometimes I just wanna dive into it and be in it," she continued. "And then, sometimes, I just look at it, and sometimes I just try to get away from it."
Plaza's candid discussion highlighted the ongoing challenges of processing such a profound personal tragedy while maintaining a public career. Friends and colleagues in the industry have praised her resilience, with Pratt's recent remarks underscoring the continued support from her Parks and Recreation family.
The sitcom, which aired on NBC from 2009 to 2015, followed the quirky employees of the parks and recreation department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the mockumentary-style series became a cult favorite for its sharp humor and ensemble cast chemistry.
In addition to Pratt and Plaza, who portrayed the bickering yet affectionate couple April Ludgate and Andy Dwyer, the show starred Amy Poehler as the optimistic Leslie Knope, Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins, Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, Rob Lowe as Chris Traeger, Retta as Donna Meagle, and Jim O’Heir as Jerry Gergich.
Pratt's character, Andy, was known for his childlike enthusiasm and unwavering love for April, played by Plaza with her signature deadpan wit. Their on-screen marriage provided some of the show's most memorable moments, including elaborate pranks and heartfelt vows. Off-screen, Pratt and Plaza have maintained a warm friendship, occasionally reuniting for interviews or events celebrating the series.
Since the pregnancy news surfaced, Plaza has embraced the moment with her characteristic humor. During a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, she joked about the impending arrival of her baby. "There’s something inside: it’s a baby," she quipped. "[I] may need you to pull it out. That’s why I came here tonight. It’s either you or [fellow guest] Henry Winkler. Those are my top two [and] he delivered my baby on Parks and Rec, that’s all I know."
The lighthearted remark referenced a Parks and Recreation episode where Winkler guest-starred as Dr. Saperstein, who hilariously botches April's fictional pregnancy storyline. Plaza's ability to blend humor with her personal milestones reflects the same dry delivery that made her a standout on the show.
Plaza and Abbott, a lesser-known figure in the entertainment world, have kept their relationship relatively low-key. According to reports, they met through mutual friends in the industry shortly after Baena's death, bonding over shared interests in film and creative pursuits. Neither has commented extensively on their partnership, but sources close to the couple describe it as a source of stability for Plaza during a difficult period.
The timing of the pregnancy, coming just months after the one-year anniversary of Baena's passing, has sparked quiet conversations among Plaza's inner circle about new beginnings. While Plaza has not directly addressed how the baby fits into her grieving process, her public statements suggest a focus on positivity and forward movement.
Pratt's supportive words are part of a broader wave of congratulations from Hollywood. Other Parks and Recreation alumni, including Poehler, have reportedly reached out privately, though no additional public comments have emerged as of yet. The cast's enduring camaraderie, evident in reunion specials and social media interactions, continues to shine through in moments like this.
Looking ahead, Plaza has a busy slate that includes upcoming projects in film and television. She recently wrapped production on a new indie drama and is attached to star in a comedy series for a streaming platform. Balancing motherhood with her career will undoubtedly be a new adventure, but those who know her, like Pratt, express confidence in her abilities.
As Plaza navigates this exciting phase, her story serves as a reminder of the entertainment industry's tight-knit community, where personal joys and sorrows are often shared among colleagues who become like family. With the baby due later this year, fans and friends alike await updates on the newest addition to her life.
The Appleton Times will continue to follow Plaza's journey and any further reactions from her Parks and Recreation co-stars.