Jill Kargman Talks ‘Influenced,’ Matt Damon, Parenting, More

May 6, 2026 - 00:59

New York Times bestselling author and actor Jill Kargman stopped by TODAY to chat with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones about her latest project, the new movie "Influenced." Kargman both wrote and stars in the film, playing a character named Dznanielle, an Upper East Side mom who has built a career as a social media influencer.

During the interview, Kargman shared a funny story about how her own daughters inspired the movie's premise. She explained that watching them navigate the world of online trends and curated personas gave her the idea to satirize the influencer culture. The conversation also took a surprising turn when she revealed how she managed to get Matt Damon to appear in the film. Kargman described the process as a mix of luck and persistence, though she kept the details light and entertaining.

Perhaps the most unexpected piece of advice she offered was her take on quitting. Rather than viewing it as a failure, Kargman argued that knowing when to walk away is actually a healthy and strategic move. She encouraged viewers to recognize that stepping back from a situation that no longer serves you can open the door to better opportunities. The interview offered a candid look at her creative process, her family's influence on her work, and her refreshingly honest perspective on knowing when to say goodbye.