Chris Pratt has shared his heartfelt reaction to the news that his former Parks and Recreation co-star Aubrey Plaza is expecting her first child. The actor, who played the lovable goofball Andy Dwyer on the beloved NBC sitcom, spoke with E! News at the Beverage Forum in California on Tuesday, offering a warm and supportive message for Plaza as she prepares to become a mother.
"She's going to be a fantastic mother," Pratt said. "She's a very caring person." The actor also joked that he was aware of her pregnancy announcement before it hit the news cycle, emphasizing that he has no doubt Plaza will thrive in her new role. "It's gonna be an amazing chapter for her," he added. "We're all very excited for her."
The Lasting Bond from Pawnee
Pratt and Plaza portrayed one of television's most beloved couples on Parks and Recreation, which aired from 2009 to 2015. Their characters Andy Dwyer and April Ludgate started as unlikely friends—Andy was a goofy, unemployed musician, and April was a deadpan, sarcastic intern—but their relationship blossomed over the seasons. In season 3, the two got married in a surprise ceremony, and by the series finale, they welcomed their first child together. Their on-screen chemistry was a highlight of the show, and the actors developed a genuine friendship off-screen as well.
Throughout the years, Pratt and Plaza have remained supportive of each other's careers and personal lives. Pratt's comments reflect that enduring connection, even as both have moved on to major projects—Pratt with blockbuster franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, and Plaza with acclaimed roles in White Lotus and Emily the Criminal.
Pratt's Own Fatherhood Journey
As a father of four, Pratt is well-versed in the joys and challenges of parenthood. He shares daughters Lyla (5), Eloise (3), and Ford (16 months) with his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, whom he married in 2019. He also has a son, Jack (13), from his previous marriage to actress Anna Faris. Pratt often speaks openly about his family, and his comments about Plaza reflect a deep understanding of what lies ahead for his former co-star.
"It's gonna be an amazing chapter for her," he said, drawing from his own experiences. The actor has frequently credited his children with bringing him immense joy and grounding him amid the chaos of Hollywood. His support for Plaza echoes the sentiment of many fans who have followed her journey from April Ludgate to her current chapter.
Plaza's Personal and Professional Life
Aubrey Plaza, 41, announced her pregnancy earlier this month, revealing that she and her partner, actor Christopher Abbott, are expecting their first child together. The news came after a difficult year for the actress, following the death of her husband, independent filmmaker Jeff Baena, in January 2025. Plaza and Baena had been together for more than a decade before his passing, and she starred in many of his films, including Life After Beth, The Little Hours, and Spin Me Round.
In a conversation with her Parks and Rec co-star Amy Poehler in August, Plaza opened up about life after her loss, describing it as "a daily struggle" but expressing gratitude for being "able to move through the world." The pregnancy news marks a new and hopeful chapter for Plaza, who has always been known for her resilient and witty personality both on and off-screen.
Plaza and Abbott's Collaboration
Plaza and Abbott have known each other for several years, having first worked together on the 2020 indie thriller Black Bear, in which they played creative collaborators who develop a dangerous mutual attraction. Plaza also co-produced the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim. More recently, the pair starred together in the Off-Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, which ran from October 2023 to January 2024. Their onstage chemistry was palpable, and the production earned rave reviews.
The actress has spoken about her excitement for motherhood, telling the SmartLess podcast earlier this month, "I've always wanted to see what that's all about, you know? It just seems so interesting, that whole thing." Her characteristic dry humor was on full display, but her genuine enthusiasm was unmistakable.
The Parks and Rec Legacy
Parks and Recreation remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 21st century, known for its blend of sweet optimism and sharp comedy. The show ran for seven seasons and launched the careers of many of its cast members, including Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Rashida Jones, and Aziz Ansari. Pratt's Andy Dwyer became a fan favorite, with his signature catchphrase "I'm not crying, it's just been raining on my face" and his band Mouse Rat.
Plaza's April Ludgate was equally iconic, starting as a disaffected intern and evolving into a confident, capable woman who became a leader in the Parks Department. The relationship between Andy and April provided some of the show's most touching moments, and the actors' off-screen friendship has continued to inspire fans. Pratt's recent comments about Plaza's pregnancy are a testament to the lasting bonds formed on that set.
As Plaza prepares to become a parent, fans are excited to see her navigate this new stage of life. With the support of her Parks and Rec family and her partner Abbott, she is stepping into a role that promises both challenges and immense joy. Chris Pratt's words capture the sentiment of everyone who has watched her journey: she is going to be a fantastic mother.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News