Tracee Ellis Ross is setting the record straight after false online claims suggested she was expecting her first child.
The actress and producer addressed the rumors during a recent appearance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” She laughed off the speculation while promoting her upcoming Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing. Ross said she initially had no idea why people kept reaching out with congratulations.
“I don’t have social media on my phone right now, and I kept getting texts, and people were like, ‘Congratulations,’” Ross told host Jimmy Fallon. “I’m like, ‘On the play? Thank you!’ Well, apparently, it’s swirling around, and it seems that people think I’m pregnant. Which is hilarious. I am not pregnant.”
Ross, 53, continued the exchange with her trademark humor.
“No, and I don’t know how you get the preggers,” she joked. “Now, ‘the pregnant’ I think is different from just pregnant. I know how you get pregnant. But ‘the pregnant’ is a thing they make up online when it’s obviously a slow news day.”
Her comments quickly put an end to days of online speculation. The rumors had circulated widely across social media without any evidence.
Ross Uses Humor to Shut Down Online Speculation
Ross did not appear frustrated by the false claims. Instead, she leaned into comedy while highlighting how quickly misinformation can spread online.
The actress suggested the story gained traction simply because internet users were looking for something to discuss.
Her appearance primarily focused on her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing. The one-person play marks a new chapter in Ross’ decades-long career across television, film and producing.
She described preparing for the production as an exciting challenge. The conversation shifted only briefly to the pregnancy rumors before returning to her work.
Ross has long been candid about living life on her own terms. She has frequently discussed the expectations women face regarding marriage and motherhood.
A Longstanding Message About Defining Success
The latest rumor also revived conversations Ross has addressed for years.
In previous interviews, she has spoken openly about refusing to measure her happiness by traditional milestones.
Speaking with Marie Claire in 2021, Ross acknowledged that she once imagined a different future.
“Our society spoon-feeds it to you,” she said. “I used to put myself to sleep dreaming of my wedding.”
She added, “And I would still love all of that, but what am I going to do, just sit around waiting? Shut up. I’ve got so many things to do.”
Ross has repeatedly emphasized that fulfillment can come through career achievements, friendships, personal growth and self-discovery.
Those sentiments have resonated with many fans, particularly women who have followed her candid discussions about navigating life outside conventional expectations.
The actress is perhaps best known for starring in Girlfriends and the Emmy-nominated sitcom Black-ish. She also continues expanding her career through producing, entrepreneurship and now live theater.