Jemima Kirke was answering a follower’s question about the best advice she’d received when she shared a warning about trying to avoid pain: “Being in pain won’t kill you. Trying not to be just might.”
Born in London, Kirke grew up in New York from age 11. Her parents are Simon Kirke, Bad Company’s drummer, and vintage-fashion collector Lorraine Dellal.
She played Jessa Johansson on HBO’s Girls, created by her longtime friend Lena Dunham. They became friends at Saint Ann’s School, and Kirke took an unpaid role in Dunham’s earlier film Tiny Furniture as a favor.
The Girls actor has also used Instagram to answer requests for advice herself. In November 2022, asked for advice for young women who lacked confidence, she replied, “I think you guys might be thinking about yourselves too much.”