The Secret Behind Katie Otto: 5 Shocking Facts About Katy Mixon’s Two Real-Life Pregnancies On ‘American Housewife’

The question of whether Katy Mixon was pregnant while starring as Katie Otto on the hit ABC sitcom American Housewife is one of the most persistent behind-the-scenes mysteries for fans. The answer is a resounding yes, and what’s more, she was pregnant not once, but twice, during the filming of the first two seasons. This incredible feat of acting and production management, where the lead actress was expecting two children while her character was not, required a masterclass in television concealment techniques that few viewers ever noticed.

As of December 15, 2025, the story of how Mixon juggled her demanding role as the self-proclaimed "second fattest housewife in Westport" with two real-life pregnancies remains a fascinating piece of television trivia. She successfully welcomed two children into the world while maintaining the illusion that her character, Katie Otto, was simply navigating the daily chaos of motherhood, not preparing for a new baby.

Katy Mixon: Full Biography and Personal Life Timeline

Katy Mixon is an American actress known for her roles in film and television, most notably as April in the HBO series Eastbound & Down and as Victoria Flynn in the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly before landing the lead role on American Housewife.

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• Full Name: Katy Elizabeth Mixon
• Date of Birth: March 30, 1981
• Birthplace: Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
• Education: Graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts and attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.
• Spouse/Partner: Breaux Greer (American Olympic javelin thrower).
• Relationship Status: Married.
• Children: Two.
• Son's Name: Kingston Saint Greer
• Son's Birth Date: May 19, 2017 (Born shortly after the filming of American Housewife Season 1 wrapped).
• Daughter's Name: Elektra Saint Greer
• Daughter's Birth Date: May 16, 2018 (Born during the show's run, between Season 2 and Season 3).
• Notable Roles: Katie Otto (American Housewife), Victoria Flynn (Mike & Molly), April (Eastbound & Down).

The Shocking Truth: Katy Mixon Was Pregnant Twice While Filming

The fact that Katy Mixon was pregnant during the production of two consecutive seasons of a network television show is an extraordinary logistical challenge that speaks volumes about her dedication and the support of the production team. For fans who were unaware, the revelation that she was carrying a child during some of the show's most memorable moments can be quite a surprise.

Pregnancy #1: Season 1 and the Birth of Kingston Saint

The first season of American Housewife, which premiered in 2016, saw Mixon expecting her first child, Kingston Saint Greer.

Sources confirm that Mixon was approximately seven months pregnant when the final episode of Season 1 was filmed. This timeline meant that for a significant portion of the inaugural season, the actress was navigating the physical demands of a lead role while in her second and third trimesters.

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Her son, Kingston Saint, was born in May 2017, just as the season was airing.

Pregnancy #2: Season 2 and the Arrival of Elektra Saint

In a rare turn of events, Mixon became pregnant again shortly after the birth of her son, meaning she was expecting her second child, a daughter, throughout the filming of Season 2.

Mixon herself confirmed the incredible overlap, stating that she was pregnant for both seasons. This second pregnancy led to the birth of her daughter, Elektra Saint, in May 2018, just before Season 3 began production.

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This meant that for the first two years of the show, the star was either pregnant or had just given birth, a demanding schedule that would be challenging for any actor, let alone the star of a family sitcom.

Behind the Scenes: How 'American Housewife' Concealed Katie Otto's Real-Life Pregnancy

Since the character of Katie Otto was not written to be pregnant in either Season 1 or Season 2, the production team had to employ a series of clever and classic television techniques to hide Mixon's growing baby bump.

The concealment was so effective that most viewers remained completely unaware of the actress's condition, leading to the lasting curiosity that still drives searches about the topic today.

The Triple-XL Wardrobe Strategy

The primary method of concealment was strategic costuming. Mixon's character, Katie Otto, was already known for wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, which worked perfectly to the production's advantage.

The costume department reportedly dressed the actress in "triple-XL-sized shirts" and oversized knitwear throughout the seasons she was pregnant.

These voluminous clothes, often layered, successfully disguised her changing figure without looking out of place for the character. This is a common tactic in television, but the sheer duration and consistency of its use for two separate pregnancies is remarkable.

The Rising Counter and Prop Placement

Beyond clothing, the set itself was strategically altered. One of the most ingenious methods used was the subtle manipulation of the kitchen set, which is a frequent location for the Otto family's scenes.

The crew continuously increased the height of the main kitchen counter as Mixon’s pregnancy progressed. This allowed Mixon to stand behind the counter, which acted as a natural barrier, obscuring her midsection from the camera's view.

Other classic techniques were also employed, including the strategic placement of large props, laundry baskets, oversized bags, and even other cast members to block the camera's line of sight to her stomach.

The "Empathy Bump" Storyline

In a humorous nod to the situation, the show even played with the idea of pregnancy in the Season 1 finale, titled "Can't Hide It Anymore."

In the episode, Katie Otto develops a fake "empathy bump" after her husband, Greg, has a pregnancy scare. While the storyline was entirely fictional for the character, the title itself—"Can't Hide It Anymore"—was a playful wink to the real-life challenge the production team had faced in concealing Mixon’s advanced pregnancy during the final episodes of the season.

Katy Mixon's Post-Pregnancy Experience in Season 3

The start of Season 3 marked a significant change for Katy Mixon on set. For the first time since the show began, she was not pregnant.

Mixon expressed her relief and excitement about filming the third season without the physical burden of pregnancy, stating she was "feeling a little lighter." This new freedom allowed her to move more dynamically and fully embrace the physical comedy and energy required for the role of Katie Otto without the need for constant concealment.

Embracing Body Positivity and Motherhood

Katy Mixon’s experience of being pregnant while leading a major network comedy further solidified her reputation as an advocate for body positivity and authenticity in Hollywood.

Her ability to continue her work while embracing motherhood resonated with many fans, showcasing that a successful career and a growing family are not mutually exclusive, even under the intense scrutiny of television production.

The story of her two hidden pregnancies on American Housewife is a testament to her professionalism, the dedication of the show's crew, and a unique chapter in the history of the beloved sitcom.