How Melissa Fumero Became One of Our New Favorite Fashion Icons on Television

      (Image credit: David Johnson) If you're in search of an entertainingly dramatic series that offers a blend of elements—a scandalous murder storyline, characters with their own hidden truths, and significant fashion moments—look no further than NBC's Grosse Pointe Garden Society. It's reminiscent of Desperate Housewives merged with Cruel Summer, as four affluent members of a suburban garden club become embroiled in a murder investigation. Rather than a conventional whodunit, this narrative unfolds as a crime cover-up across two timelines, aiming to unravel the dubious events that occurred during the garden society's annual black-tie gala.

      The heart of this captivating series lies within the "core four" of the garden society, as they're often called on set: high school literature teacher and aspiring writer Alice (AnnaSophia Robb), landscaper and single father Brett (Ben Rappaport), real estate agent and garden society vice president Catherine (Aja Naomi King), and troubled romance novelist Birdie (Melissa Fumero). As they navigate their own personal crises, this unsuspecting quartet cultivates a strong friendship and must rely on one another to guard their life-changing secret.

      Fumero, known for her comedic talent, especially from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, shines in her portrayal of Birdie, the group's fashionista. While Birdie represents a departure from Fumero’s usual roles, she quickly finds her stride as the bold socialite in search of connection and purpose. Throughout the season, Birdie is poised for the most development and delivers some of the show’s most memorable lines.

      After the show's launch, we spoke with Fumero about all things Birdie and what to anticipate from our favorite fashionista as the season progresses.

      (Image credit: David Johnson) Can you take us back to your first encounter with Grosse Pointe Garden Society? It’s quite distinct from your other work. What drew you to this script? It felt like the only pilot circulating at the time. It was after the [actor and writer] strike and the first truly exciting opportunity that emerged. I was familiar with [creators] Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs from Good Girls, and I respected them as outstanding writers. The script was a thrilling read; I was eager to discover what would happen next and excited that it seemed so different from what I had done before. Initially, I thought, "One hour—do I want to take this on?" After being accustomed to half-hour schedules, it was a bit intimidating, but I was intrigued.

      I truly owe a debt of gratitude to Liz Dean, the casting director, because I knew it was going to be a challenge. I’m known predominantly for comedies, and I was uncertain if they would even consider me. Thankfully, Liz Dean immediately said, "I’ve thought of Melissa. She’s on my list." I felt a bit daunted auditioning for Birdie because she seemed so far removed from my true self. I wasn’t sure if it was within my range... Actually, my husband David [Fumero] helped me connect with the character. He reminded me of a role I took on years ago in a web series and suggested I approach Birdie in that vein, which really opened things up for me.

      Did you consider auditioning for any other roles, or was Birdie the primary focus? I was hesitant to audition for Birdie. At first, I suggested Catherine since I’ve portrayed the super-type A, buttoned-up women before. I auditioned for Catherine initially but felt a bit off after that audition. They later asked me to audition for Birdie, and I thought, "Alright, here we go."

      (Image credit: Mark Hill/NBC) What were your early insights into Birdie and who she is? The writing in the scripts was excellent, providing plenty to work with, particularly in my first scene with Ford. I focused on the fact that Birdie feels lost—she’s uncertain about her path and is desperately seeking connection but doesn’t know how. That resonated with me, allowing me to empathize with her. Also, her bold behavior felt like a mask she wears as a means of self-protection. It’s her survival strategy and persona that she puts on for the world. We've all encountered people like her—those who seem to be trying so hard to hide their true selves.

      For me, physicality is extremely important. The way characters move through space influences my portrayal. There were limits to what I could accomplish mentally, but once I donned the clothing, hair, and makeup, everything shifted. Suddenly, my posture, walk, and gestures transformed. That was when it finally clicked for me.

      The impact of fashion and costuming is remarkable. Absolutely. Birdie wears vibrant colors and fitted clothes, exuding her outgoing personality, which makes her one-liners and candid comments feel even more authentic—it all ties together.

      Though the garden society isn't Bird