Linda Cardellini Expecting First Child

Freaks, geeks … and a baby on the way.

Linda Cardellini is expecting her first child with boyfriend Steven Rodriguez early next year, her rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.

“They’re excited to start a family together,” says the rep.

The actress, 36, known for her roles on ER, Freaks and Geeks and in the Scooby-Doo movies, is busy promoting her new film Return, which premiered at the Cannes film festival this year.

Starring alongside Oscar nominee Michael Shannon, Cardellini plays a war veteran who has a difficult time adjusting to her normal life when she returns home.

She was also recently back on primetime, guest-starring on the new CBS show Person of Interest with Jim Caviezel.

— Sara Hammel