Aubrey Plaza expecting first child with Christopher Abbott
Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott attend ‘Danny and the Deep Blue Sea’ Opening Night, November 13, 2023 in New York City. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
Actress Aubrey Plaza is going to be a mom.
The White Lotus star and Parks and Recreation alum is expecting her first child with partner and fellow actor Christopher Abbott, a representative for Plaza confirmed to People on Tuesday.
ABC News has reached out to Plaza’s representative for comment.
Plaza’s pregnancy news comes 15 months after the death of her late husband, film director and screenwriter Jeff Baena, at the age of 47.
The couple were married in 2021 but had separated in the months prior to Baena’s death.
Plaza opened up about her grief last August in an appearance on former Parks and Recreation co-star Amy Poehler’s podcast, saying it was “a daily struggle.”
“I feel really grateful to be moving through the world,” she added at the time.
Mary J. Blige performs onstage during ONE Musicfest 2025 at Piedmont Park on October 25, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
If you’re a fan of Mary J. Blige‘s Lifetime movies, here’s some good news. The singer has three more original films in the works as part of her extended deal with the network. Like her previous films, the first is named after one of her songs, this time Be Happy from her 1994 album, My Life.
According to Deadline, Be Happy tells the story of 50-year-old Val, a wife and stay-at-home mom who hopes to rekindle the spark in her marriage after she and her husband, Ross, become empty nesters. Instead, she is forced to confront the realization that “her marriage and the woman she once was may be slipping away.”
When Val travels to New Orleans to support her pregnant daughter, Kayla, this leads to more than she expected. It “awakens long-buried dreams and passions” and introduces her to photographer Peter Mosley, who helps her rediscover her sense of worth. As she begins to see herself in a new light, she’s faced with the question: “Is it ever too late to choose yourself and the love you truly deserve?”
Tisha Campbell stars as Val, with Russell Hornsby portraying her husband, Ross. Mekhi Phifer plays Peter, and Zing Ashford appears as Val’s daughter Kayla. Making her directorial debut is actress Gabourey Sidibe, best known for her roles in Precious and Give Me Back My Daughter.
Be Happy will be Mary’s latest Lifetime film, following Real Love, Strength of a Woman and Family Affair. It premieres on Feb. 7.
John Davidson attends the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 22, 2026, in London, England. (Dominic Lipinski/Getty Images)
The BBC is apologizing to viewers for airing racial slurs heard during the 2026 BAFTAs telecast Sunday.
“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the [online and streaming] version on BBC iPlayer,” a BBC spokesperson said.
Critics say the British broadcaster had time to edit out the slurs before the ceremony was broadcast on a two-hour delay. Other portions of the awards show were edited, including one award presenter saying “Free Palestine.”
During the awards show, often referred to as the “British Oscars,” there were several obscene outbursts from Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, who was the inspiration for the movie I Swear.
Tourette syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a neurological condition that may cause involuntary movements and vocal tics, sometimes involving outbursts of inappropriate language.
One such outburst occurred while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage Sunday night, with Davidson yelling a racial slur as the two actors were presenting the first award of the night.
Jordan and Lindo appeared startled by the incident but continued with their presentation.
Later in the ceremony, BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologized directly to the audience and asked for their understanding.
“You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended,” Cumming said.
Davidson left the ceremony partway through the proceedings, reportedly of his own accord, according to the BBC.
I Swear, which was nominated for five awards, won big at this year’s awards show, with star Robert Aramayo winning the leading actor award over category favorite Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for MartySupreme.
Paul Thomas Anderson at the 98th annual Academy Awards. (Disney/Frank Micelotta)
In the battle for best director, Paul Thomas Anderson came away with the win for his film One Battle After Another.
“You make a guy work hard for one of these, I really appreciate it,” Anderson said in accepting the award, thanking the academy for “finding my work worthy of this highest honor.”
He also recognized his fellow nominees in the category, Chloé Zhao for Hamnet, Ryan Coogler for Sinners, Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme and Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value.
“I couldn’t ask for a better class. It’s an honor to be counted amongst you guys,” he said. “There will always be some doubt in your heart that you deserve it, but there is no question at the pleasure for having it for myself.”
Finally, Anderson noted, “This is a wonder gift, and I’m so happy to call the movies home. This is really terrific.”
The win comes after 14 career Academy Award nominations for Anderson. It was his second win of the night, after winning best adapted screenplay.
