Tracee Ellis Ross Squashes Pregnancy Rumors On 'The Tonight Show'

Tracee Sets the Record Straight

Tracee Ellis Ross brought her charm and humor to 'The Tonight Show,' where she tackled some buzzing rumors head-on. The 'Girlfriends' star, known for her quick wit and delightful sense of humor, cleared up any misconceptions about her expecting a child. "I am not pregnant. I am not," Ross, 53, stated firmly. Ross explained how she received numerous congratulatory texts, leaving her scratching her head until she realized the cause.

“I don’t have social media on my phone right now, and I kept getting texts and people were like, ‘Congratulations.’ I’m like, ‘On the play? Thank you!’”

What's Behind the Rumors?

In her unmistakable comedic style, Ross quipped about the absurdity of the rumors, suggesting that it probably stemmed from a slow news day. "Apparently, it’s swirling around and it seems that people think I’m pregnant, which is hilarious," she said. The Emmy-nominated actress shared how she might have accidentally fueled the speculation herself. Ross had been using a unique metaphor to describe her rehearsal process for her Broadway debut in 'Every Brilliant Thing' – likening it to "swallowing a whale," which, in hindsight, may have sparked some confusion.

Bigger Than Marriage and Kids

Ross has long been a vocal advocate against the traditional societal pressures to marry and have children, a sentiment she echoed during her visit to 'The Tonight Show.' She highlighted her focus on personal fulfillment and her Broadway debut, rather than the milestones that society often measures one's life by. "I used to put myself to sleep dreaming of my wedding," she said in a past Marie Claire interview, but today, her focus lies elsewhere.

Her upcoming show, 'Every Brilliant Thing,' promises to be a profound exploration of mental health and the myriad of beautiful reasons to cherish life. Ross described it as a "life-affirming piece," emphasizing its message that we are not alone in our journeys. As she puts it, "The intention is that you leave realizing that none of us do this alone. And it’s so beautiful."

For fans of Ellis Ross, it’s refreshing to see a star who’s candid and unbothered by the rumor mill, prioritizing her career and personal growth over societal expectations.

Watch Tracee tackle the rumors and share more about her play in the clip from 'The Tonight Show.'