AJA NAOMI KING
stars in
NBC
series
Grosse Pointe Garden Society
Photography: Tyler Patrick Kenny
Fashion Editor: Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Stella Hofferman
Aja Naomi King is nothing short of a star. Best known for her iconic breakthrough role in How to Get Away with Murder and her Emmy-nominated performance in Apple TV’s adaptation of Lessons in Chemistry, King now delivers another stunning performance as Catherine in Grosse Pointe Garden Society. NBC’s newest drama series follows four members of a gardening club who become entangled in a murder. You can follow Catherine and her friends as the mystery unfolds Fridays on NBC and Peacock.
Dress & Sunglasses: Collina Strada , Ankle boots: FCTRY LAb x Collina Strada
Dress & Sunglasses: Collina Strada , Ankle boots: FCTRY LAb x Collina Strada
What makes a good Murder Mystery?
For me, a great murder mystery begins with compelling characters telling a story that will intrigue and keep audiences on the edge of their seats. A world filled with cleverly placed clues and a cast of characters where everyone has a secret to hide. You should be able to escape into this world of mystery with a mix of suspense and misdirection as to who could have done what to whom all the while delivering an unexpected twist. And the lush–but potentially treacherous–world of Grosse Pointe Garden Society does all that and more, adding laughter along with depth to the intrigue of it all. A story filled with relatable characters, where you get to see yourself in the most precarious of positions which should delight and provide a very satisfying experience. The mystery pulls you in deeper with every reveal, set against a seemingly perfect world where loyalties, betrayals, and buried secrets bloom.
Jacket, Shorts, & Earrings: Veronique Leroy , Heels: Sara Wong
Top & Knit jumpsuit: Veronique Leroy , Ankle boots: Isabel Marant , Sunglasses: Collina Strada
Who were some inspirations or references for your portrayal of Catherine in Grosse Pointe Garden Society?
Catherine is a woman of striking contrasts; she is charming, ambitious, and effortlessly elegant, yet simmering with a deep dissatisfaction that forces her to reevaluate the life she’s so carefully built. Beneath her polished exterior lies a restlessness that compels her to take stock of her marriage and the seemingly perfect world she’s constructed.
When I first spoke with showrunners Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs, they pointed me toward Annette Bening’s performance in American Beauty–a character who is flawlessly put together, obsessed with maintaining a pristine image, yet brimming with unspoken frustration. There’s also the razor-sharp cunning of Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons and the emotional fire of Angela Bassett in Waiting to Exhale. Catherine exists at the intersection of all these women, she is elegant, strategic, and always in control, until the cracks in her world become too deep to ignore.
Blouse & Dress: CHANEL SS25 , Sneakers: New Balance
Top & Skirt: Patou S25 , Sunglasses: Collina Strada
The trailer for your new series shows a sort of “Core Four” of main characters, consisting of your character Catherine, Melissa Fumero as Birdie, AnnaSophia Robb as Alice, and Ben Rappaport as Brett. What was it like getting to work with and to bond with your fellow cast members?
Filming Grosse Pointe Garden Society has been one of the most joyful and creatively fulfilling experiences of my career. From day one, there was this incredible energy on set, where everyone felt free to explore, take risks, and really sink into the layers of these characters.
Working with Melissa, AnnaSophia, and Ben has been an absolute dream. We instantly clicked, and that chemistry translates so naturally on screen. Ben brings such a sharp wit and warmth, AnnaSophia has this incredible ability to balance vulnerability with strength, and Melissa’s comedic timing and emotional depth make every scene with her so dynamic. We support each other, challenge each other, and spend a little too much time laughing between takes, which I utterly love. It has truly felt like we are building something special together, and I think audiences will feel that connection in every moment we share on screen.
Dress & Sunglasses: Collina Strada , Ankle boots: FCTRY LAb x Collina Strada
What were some of your favorite on-set moments from filming?
Without giving too much away, I’ve had some truly unforgettable moments on set. Some of my favorite scenes were with my on-screen husband played by Jocko Sims, where there’s so much tension, history, and unspoken emotion between them, and bringing that dynamic to life has been incredibly rewarding. Then there are the more intimate, sexy scenes where Catherine finds herself completely out of her comfort zone, and I found myself truly out of mine. Those moments were both thrilling and challenging to film.
And of course, I can’t forget the murder scenes. Filming those deep, dark, suspenseful moments late at night was an adrenaline rush. There’s something electrifying about stepping into that heightened reality when the stakes are at their peak, and every glance, every movement carries weight. The cinematography, the atmosphere, and the tension all came together in a way that made those scenes feel truly cinematic. Those nights on set were some of the most intense and artistically fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it all unfold.
Jacket, Shorts, & Earrings: Veronique Leroy , Heels: Sara Wong
Top & Skirt: Patou S25 , Sunglasses: Collina Strada
What are four words you’d use to describe Catherine?
Elegant, ambitious, authoritative, and restless.
Is there anything else exciting that you’ve been working on recently, career-wise or otherwise?
I’m incredibly excited to be a global spokesperson for L’Oréal Paris, especially as this year marks the 20th anniversary of their Women of Worth program. It’s such a powerful initiative that highlights extraordinary women who are making a real impact in their communities through their grassroots nonprofit organizations. Getting to amplify their voices and shine a light on the important, life-changing work they do has been both humbling and inspiring. It’s a reminder that beauty is so much more than what we see; it’s also about strength, resilience, and using our platforms to uplift others.
On a more personal level, I’m also deeply focused on what is, to me, the most important and rewarding role of all, raising a good human. Parenthood is its own kind of creative and emotional journey, and while it comes with its challenges, it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. Balancing work and family is always an adventure, but I feel so grateful to be able to do both in ways that truly bring me joy.
Dress & Sunglasses: Collina Strada , Ankle boots: FCTRY LAb x Collina Strada
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
On a day off, I focus on recharging both mentally and physically. I love starting with a workout, followed by a massage or a sauna session, anything that helps me reset and feel my best. But what truly fills me up is spending quality time with my husband and playing with my child.
Those moments of connection and laughter are what keep me grounded and make any day off feel truly special.
Set the scene for me: What do you think is the ideal viewing setting/scenario for the premiere of Grosse Pointe Garden Society?
It’s the kind of show that invites you to indulge. Whether that means getting cozy in luxe loungewear or going full-themed viewing party with floral decor and garden party treats, grab your friends, a glass of wine or cocktail, and dim the lights. Get ready for a story and characters who will have you guessing their true intentions until the very last moment.
Photography
Tyler Patrick Kenny
Creative Director & Fashion Editor
Deborah Ferguson
Interview by Contentmode magazine contributing editor
Stella Hofferman
Makeup
UZO @A-Frame Agency
Hair
Randy Stodghill @Opus Beauty
Location compliments of
Video
Meech
Web layout
Aarav Narain
Fashion Assistant
Julia Varavkina