Q&A with Jill Kargman
A born and bred New Yorker, Jill Kargman, 43, is the creator, writer, producer and star of the scripted comedy “Odd Mom Out” in which Jill played a satirical version of herself navigating the hilarity of raising children on the upper east side in NYC.
Jill attended The Spence School, The Taft School and Yale University. After graduating, and working for magazines, television and movies, Jill began writing novels to give her more flexibility to be home with her three children: Sadie, Ivy, and Fletch. She is a New York Times best-selling author of multiple books, and her newest book, a comedic essay collection, “Sprinkle Glitter on my Grave”, was published in September 2016 by Random House.
She made her Café Carlyle debut in January 2017 with her sold out show Stairway to Cabaret, singing heavy metal songs, cabaret style.
Jill hosts The Jill Kargman show on SiriusXM Stars Channel 109. She is also a performer with the Upright Citizens Brigade improvisation and sketch comedy group. Jill recently made an appearance in her first Hollywood studio movie, A Bad Moms Christmas, and she is currently working with Seth Meyers on a reboot of the Munsters for NBC.
Who are your favorite writers?
Right now I love reading Daniel Silva books- I read seventeen of his books last year, I’m addicted!
Who are your favorite heroes of fiction?
Daniel Allen of Silva’s books- such an incredible protagonist.
Who are your favorite heroes in real life?
I idolize my parents who are truly the greatest people. I admire strong female writers in the TV world like Amy Schumer, Jenni Konner and Lena Dunham, Liz Meriweather, Jill Soloway, Jenji Kohan, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer- so many talented women working in television right now. I also think real-life heroes are people working to protect our country- whether in the military abroad or our police forces and fire departments at home. I also applaud the bravery of the free press- writers who speak their voice and aren’t cowed.
What quality/qualities do you most admire in a man?
A sense of humor is numero uno. But a funny dude who’s a dickhole is not worth it, they have to be nice and confident. So many comedians have mistreated friends of mine- they’re too insecure and not even dorky (which I love) but rather what I call “wait up, guys!” Like “wait up, guys, where’s the cooler party!” So I guess I’m drawn to people who make me laugh but who are also sweet and self-deprecating instead of douchetastic.
What quality/qualities do you most admire in a woman?
All my friends are down-to-earth and open. I can’t stand fake women who smile and air-kiss you then talk shit behind your back or try and make it look like their lives are perfect. My best friends and i have zero edit button and are so uncensored about our lives and it makes us closer. I don't even get these groups of women who just sit around projecting this veneer of having it all. Exhausting!
What is your most marked characteristic?
I guess the way I talk; I basically write like I talk and people have told me it’s pretty candid and no bullshit.
What do you most value in your friends?
I value their loyalty and honesty and the fact that we can all rely on each other no matter what.
What is it that you most dislike?
Small-minded, intolerant, people.
What is your present state of mind?
Happy to be in a new year!
What is your motto?
Better sorry than safe.
What is your New Year’s resolution?
To watch more TV.