Tracee Ellis Ross, the well-known actress and daughter of musical icon Diana Ross, recently set the record straight on persistent rumours surrounding her potential pregnancy. While appearing on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon* to discuss her forthcoming role in the Broadway production of *Every Brilliant Thing*, she addressed the claims with a sense of humour.
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During her interview, Ross, who is 53, shared that she had received numerous congratulatory messages from friends and family, leading her to believe that the chatter about her expecting a child had escalated. “I don’t have social media on my phone right now, and I kept getting texts,” she explained to the host. “People were like, ‘Congratulations.’ 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.”
Bringing levity to the situation, Ross said, “No, and I don’t know how you get ‘the preggers’.” She went on to describe the term “the pregnant,” suggesting that it was a creation of online speculation during slow news periods.

This isn’t the first time Ross has tackled the subject of motherhood and the societal pressures that often accompany it. In earlier interviews, she has been candid about not wanting her identity to be defined solely by her relationship status or parental aspirations. Back in May 2021, during a conversation with *Marie Claire*, Ross openly addressed the societal expectations surrounding family and marriage, stressing how they often dictate how women perceive their futures.

Reflecting on her own upbringing, Ross remarked, “I used to put myself to sleep dreaming of my wedding.” However, she quickly added a pragmatic perspective: “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.”
Her insights were echoed in a feature for *Porter* in May 2020, where she lamented the narrow expectations society places on women when it comes to their life choices. “I wish I had known there were other choices, not just about how I could be living, but how I could feel about the way my life was,” she told the publication. This thought reflects her desire for women to explore a varied range of paths beyond traditional roles.
Throughout her career, Ross has emphasised the importance of diverse ways to find happiness outside of motherhood and marriage. She believes that society often fails to discuss the many options available to individuals for creating fulfilling lives. “There are so many ways to curate happiness, find love, and create a family, and we don’t talk about them. It creates so much shame and judgment,” she noted during a candid moment in her interviews.
In addition, Ross addressed the misconception that being happily single equates to a lack of desire for companionship. “People misinterpret being happily single as not wanting to be in a relationship. Of course, I want to be in a relationship, but what am I going to do? Spend all the time that I’m not [in one] moping around? No. I’m going to live my life to the fullest, and I’m going to be happy right here, where I am,” she asserted.
Tracee Ellis Ross’s openness about her choices and her refusal to conform to conventional expectations resonates with many, especially women grappling with similar societal pressures. Her humorous dismissal of the pregnancy rumours serves as a reminder that personal happiness is often found in carving one’s unique path, rather than adhering to societal norms. The actress’s forthcoming Broadway debut marks a significant new chapter in her artistic journey, showcasing her commitment to her craft and her belief in living life on one’s own terms.
As she continues to navigate her career and personal choices, Ross remains a strong advocate for redefining success and happiness beyond traditional roles, encouraging others to embrace their individuality along the way.
