From Curb To Cabinet: 5 Shocking Facts About Cheryl Hines, The Actress Who Married RFK Jr.
The question of "who is RFK Jr.'s wife" has become one of the most searched queries in American politics, not just because of her husband's controversial 2024 presidential campaign, but because she is a highly recognizable Hollywood star. As of this current date in late December 2025, that woman is the Emmy-nominated actress and comedian, Cheryl Hines. The journey from playing Larry David’s long-suffering wife on HBO’s *Curb Your Enthusiasm* to navigating Washington D.C. as the spouse of a high-profile political figure has been an unpredictable turn for Hines, marked by public scrutiny, political controversy, and a surprising new role in the nation's capital.
Cheryl Hines has had to rapidly pivot from the world of scripted comedy to the unscripted chaos of national politics, culminating in her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accepting a major role in the new administration following his independent presidential bid. Her new memoir, *Unscripted*, offers an intimate look at this chaotic home life and how she uses her signature humor to handle it all.
Cheryl Hines: Full Biography and Filmography Profile
Cheryl Ruth Hines is an accomplished American actress, comedian, and director, best known for her iconic role that brought her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
- Full Name: Cheryl Ruth Hines
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1965
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 60
- Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
- Spouse: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (m. 2014)
- Previous Marriage: Paul Young (m. 2002; div. 2010)
- Children: Catherine Rose Young (from first marriage)
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $15–16 million
- Breakthrough Role: Cheryl David in *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000–2024), a role she reprised across more than 100 episodes.
- Notable Filmography:
- *RV* (2006)
- *Waitress* (2007)
- *Herbie: Fully Loaded* (2005)
- *A Bad Moms Christmas* (2017)
- Directing: She has also worked as a director, including the 2009 film *Serious Moonlight*.
The Unlikely Match: How Larry David Introduced the Actress to a Kennedy
The relationship between the environmental lawyer and the Hollywood actress is one of the most fascinating celebrity-political pairings in recent history, and it all started with a comedy legend.
The Meet-Cute at Deer Valley
In 2006, Cheryl Hines was introduced to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by her *Curb Your Enthusiasm* co-star, Larry David. The introduction took place at a ski event in Deer Valley, Utah. At the time, Hines was still married to her first husband, Paul Young, and Kennedy was married to his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy. However, a spark was evident, and their connection deepened over the following years.
Relationship Timeline and Marriage
Hines and Kennedy went public with their relationship in October 2011. They announced their engagement in May 2014 and were married shortly thereafter on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The wedding was a relatively private affair, bringing together their two very different worlds: Hollywood and the Kennedy political dynasty. The marriage made Hines the third wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
RFK Jr.'s Previous Marriages
Cheryl Hines is not the first woman to marry the environmental activist. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been married three times, and his family life is extensive.
- First Wife: Emily Ruth Black. They were married in 1982 and divorced in 1994. They have two children together.
- Second Wife: Mary Richardson Kennedy. They married in 1994, and their marriage was marked by tragedy, ending with her death in 2012. They had four children together: Conor, Kyra, William, and Aidan.
Combined with Hines's daughter, Catherine Rose Young, the couple has a total of seven children in their blended family.
Navigating Scandals and Shifting Political Roles in 2025
The life of a political spouse is rarely easy, but Cheryl Hines's experience has been particularly tumultuous. Her role evolved from a supportive partner in a controversial presidential campaign to a Washington insider's spouse, all while weathering major personal scandals.
The Tumultuous 2024 Campaign
When Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched his independent bid for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Hines initially expressed reservations but eventually became fully supportive, even as she faced public criticism. The campaign trail was a stark contrast to her life in Hollywood, and she has openly discussed fearing for her husband's safety during the process.
Her support came at a personal cost. Comedian Tig Notaro revealed that her friendship with Hines was destroyed due to the political differences stemming from RFK Jr.’s campaign and his controversial views.
The Olivia Nuzzi Sexting Scandal
The relationship was thrust into the spotlight for more sensational reasons during the 2024 election cycle. Reports surfaced alleging a sexting affair between RFK Jr. and political journalist Olivia Nuzzi. According to reports, the controversy became so intense that there were discussions of a "fake separation" between Hines and Kennedy to alleviate the public pressure on Hines, though she publicly maintained silence on the matter. Hines's ability to navigate this high-stakes personal drama while maintaining a public face of support is a testament to her resilience.
The Surprising 2025 Cabinet Role
Following the conclusion of his presidential run, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s political trajectory took another unexpected turn. In a major development in 2025, he was nominated for a high-ranking position within the new administration. Specifically, he was nominated for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Senate voted 52-48 to confirm him in February 2025. This confirmation solidified Hines's new, permanent—and very real—role as a Washington D.C. spouse, moving her influence from the Hollywood Hills to the halls of the U.S. government. This shift has placed her in a unique position, far removed from the fictional world of *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, making her one of the most intriguing figures in the current political landscape.
Detail Author:
- Name : Anibal Hodkiewicz
- Username : lwehner
- Email : twunsch@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1973-12-17
- Address : 54156 Reichel Club North Petechester, DE 55233-1448
- Phone : +13807327959
- Company : Bradtke and Sons
- Job : Dentist
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