Inside the Reinvention of Melissa Fumero For the Madness of 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society': Loud Latinos, Fashion and Frienship- INTERVIEW

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Latina actress and now podcaster Melissa Fumero, best known for her role as the meticulous Detective Amy Santiago on 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine,' takes a dramatic turn in NBC's latest suburban noir, 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society.' The series delves into the lives of four suburban garden club members entangled in a murder cover-up, with Fumero's character, Birdie, at the heart of the chaos. Just as she likes it!

Transitioning from comedy to drama, Fumero embraces the complexity of Birdie—a character far removed from her previous roles. "Playing Birdie was really challenging and hard, but satisfying and fulfilling," the Cuban American star says in an interview with the Latin Times.

The character is portrayed as an entitled divorcée, cloaked in designer fashion, who masks her pain with a facade of confidence and control.

The series, created by Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs, is set in the affluent suburb of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and follows the unraveling lives of its central characters as they navigate secrets, lies, and the consequences of their actions.

The garden as a metaphor

The garden club serves as more than just a backdrop; it symbolizes the characters' desires for growth and the facades they maintain. Fumero noted, "The garden club for Birdie is, throughout the season, going to be a bit of a metaphor for her own personal growth."

Despite her initial reluctance, Birdie's involvement in the club becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and transformation, mirroring the show's themes of hidden decay beneath cultivated appearances.

Birdie's wardrobe, curated by renowned costume designer Eric Daman, reflects her complex personality. From bold prints to statement accessories, her fashion choices are both a shield and a form of self-expression. Fumero embraced this aspect of her character, stating, "I loved the fashion, of course. After years in uniform, it was fun to get lost in those looks."

The meticulous styling not only enhances Birdie's persona but also underscores the show's exploration of identity and perception.

Central to Birdie's narrative is her relationship with her son, Ford, whose discovery of her identity adds emotional depth to the storyline. Fumero highlighted these scenes as particularly impactful, saying, "Those scenes really did pull out the internal, pulled out what she had been through her trauma, who she wanted to be but didn't know how to be."

This dynamic offers a poignant look at motherhood, redemption, and the complexities of familial bonds.

Latinos got louder

Beyond the drama, Grosse Pointe Garden Society serves as a commentary on societal expectations and the multifaceted nature of identity.

Melissa Fumero has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Latino representation in Hollywood, and she's proud of how far the industry has come — but she also remembers how limiting it once was. "When I started out, I used to be told all the time that I didn't look Latina," she recalled. "There was a very stereotypical look they were going for, and I felt like I had to wear my curls and big hoop earrings just to 'look more Latina.'" It was a narrow, often harmful view of identity that many Latina actors were forced to navigate — and perform — to even get auditions.

Now, Fumero says, the community has pushed back — and pushed forward. "We just got louder," she explained. "We're not all in a gang or a cartel. We're not all criminals. We have a lot of shades and a lot of different types of people in this community." She credits the shift not only to outspoken actors, but also to the rise of Latin writers, directors, and creatives bringing authenticity to the screen. "It's not just one thing anymore — we're finally telling stories that show who we really are." With Grosse Pointe Garden Society, Fumero is doing just that — playing a Latina character who is messy, privileged, and deeply human.

The series, through its intricate characters and layered storytelling, invites viewers to question appearances and embrace authenticity.

Grosse Pointe Garden Society airs Fridays at 8/7c on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock.