Aja Naomi King’s 5 Biggest Career Twists: From Yale Grad To ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’ Star

Aja Naomi King has successfully navigated one of Hollywood’s most challenging transitions: moving from a beloved, career-defining role to a fresh, new chapter. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the actress is experiencing a significant professional resurgence, starring in a highly anticipated new murder mystery series while simultaneously embracing her life as a mother and advocate.

The star, best known for her powerful portrayal of Michaela Pratt on the hit series How to Get Away with Murder, is now trading in the courtroom drama for suburban secrets. Her latest venture, the NBC series Grosse Pointe Garden Society, promises to show a new, complex side of her talent, cementing her status as a classically trained powerhouse in modern television.

Aja Naomi King: The Complete Profile and Biography

Aja Naomi King is an American actress who rose to prominence with her compelling performances across film and television, showcasing a remarkable range honed by rigorous classical training.

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• Full Name: Aja Naomi King
• Date of Birth: January 11, 1985
• Age (as of December 2025): 40 years old
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education:
  • University of California, Santa Barbara (BFA in Acting)
  • Yale University School of Drama (MFA in Drama, graduated 2010)
• Spouse: Dan King (Married)
• Children: Son, Kian (Born June 2021, age 4 as of a recent update)
• Notable Roles: Michaela Pratt (How to Get Away with Murder), Cherry (The Birth of a Nation), Cassandra Copeland (Lessons in Chemistry)
• Career Start: Began with guest-starring roles on TV after spending three years working as a waitress in New York City while auditioning.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $5 Million (Varies by source)

The Shocking Shift to ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’ in 2025

Following her acclaimed work in the 2023 limited series Lessons in Chemistry, Aja Naomi King has landed her next major television role, starring in the 2025 NBC murder mystery pilot Grosse Pointe Garden Society.

This new series marks a distinct departure from the intense legal environment of HTGAWM, plunging her into the world of high-stakes suburban drama.

A Deep Dive into Her New Character, Catherine

In Grosse Pointe Garden Society, King portrays Catherine, a main character who is a member of the titular gardening club.

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Early descriptions paint Catherine as a complex, stylish, and perhaps "snooty" suburbanite who is harboring a deadly secret, suggesting a character with layers of mystery and an impeccably curated facade.

The show, which also features Melissa Fumero and AnnaSophia Robb, centers on four members of a suburban garden club who are drawn into a murder investigation, revealing that their seemingly perfect lives are built on a foundation of lies.

King has expressed her excitement about the role, noting that Catherine is a complex individual whose stylish exterior masks a troubled interior, a type of character she excels at bringing to life.

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Aja Naomi King: Motherhood, Wellness, and the Viola Davis Connection

Beyond her busy professional schedule, Aja Naomi King has been openly sharing her journey into motherhood, a topic she has approached with honesty and vulnerability, especially regarding fertility struggles.

She and her husband, Dan King, welcomed their first child, a son named Kian, in June 2021.

King has been a vocal advocate for body positivity after giving birth, posting emotional messages on social media that resonate with new mothers about embracing their post-pregnancy bodies.

Her husband, Dan King, who has been described as a "full-time papa," has also shared his perspective on fatherhood, emphasizing wellness and self-care in their family life.

The Enduring Bond with Viola Davis

One of the most heartwarming stories in King's recent updates is the enduring, supportive relationship she maintains with her former co-star, Viola Davis.

The two actresses, who played mentor and student on How to Get Away with Murder, continue to share a strong bond, often reuniting at events like Paris Fashion Week.

While promoting her new NBC show, King recently offered a sweet, inspiring shoutout to Davis, underscoring the deep respect and connection they share, a relationship that clearly continues to influence King's career trajectory.

Upcoming Projects and Topical Authority Entities

Aja Naomi King's career momentum is not limited to television. She is actively diversifying her portfolio with film and advocacy work, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful projects and social issues.

The Film ‘The Knife’ (2024)

In 2024, King was featured in the official trailer for the film The Knife, alongside actors Nnamdi Asomugha and Melissa Leo. This project adds a significant feature film to her recent credits, showing her continued presence on the big screen.

Advocacy and Wellness Partnerships

King has leveraged her platform to promote wellness, particularly for mothers and children. She partnered with Walgreens and Vitamin Angels on a mission to provide life-changing vitamins and health support to millions of expectant mothers and children.

Her openness about her personal life, including the challenges of motherhood and fertility, has positioned her as a relatable and trusted voice in the wellness space.

Key Entities and Career Milestones:

• Shondaland: The production company behind *How to Get Away with Murder*, which launched her into global stardom.
• The Birth of a Nation: Her critically acclaimed 2016 film role as Cherry.
• Black Women Film Network (BWFN): She attended the 2025 BWFN Summit in Atlanta, discussing her journey from waitressing to screen star.
• Fashion Trust U.S. Awards: King attended the 2025 awards, highlighting her status as a fashion icon and red-carpet staple.
• Lessons in Chemistry: Her powerful 2023 role as Cassandra Copeland in the Apple TV+ series.
• Yale School of Drama: Her educational background, which is frequently cited as the foundation for her acting prowess.

Aja Naomi King’s current career narrative is a compelling blend of high-profile new roles, impactful personal storytelling, and a commitment to advocacy. From the intense drama of the Annalise Keating courtroom to the deadly secrets of a suburban garden club, King proves she is an actress continuously evolving and taking on the most complex characters television has to offer.