Who is Cheryl Hines? Meet the Actress Behind RFK Jr’s Wife
Cheryl Hines is RFK Jr’s wife is an Emmy-nominated actress. She is best known for her role on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” If you’re looking for quick facts about her:
| Cheryl Hines: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 21, 1965 (59 years old) |
| Married to RFK Jr | Since August 2, 2014 |
| Career | Actress, director, entrepreneur |
| Notable Work | “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Suburgatory,” “Bad Moms” |
| Children | One daughter, Catherine Rose Young (born 2004) |
| Recent News | Moved to Georgetown after giving RFK Jr an ultimatum following the Olivia Nuzzi scandal |
When Larry David introduced Cheryl Hines to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a ski-weekend fundraiser in 2006, no one could have predicted their paths would lead to marriage. The Florida-born actress with a talent for improv comedy and the environmental lawyer from America’s most famous political dynasty reconnected in 2010, began dating in 2011, and tied the knot in 2014 at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port.
Their relationship has weathered significant storms, from public controversies surrounding Kennedy’s anti-vaccine statements (which Hines publicly denounced as “reprehensible”) to recent allegations of a sexting scandal with journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Through it all, Hines has maintained her Hollywood career while increasingly stepping into the role of political spouse, especially following Kennedy’s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in February 2025.
In a notable sacrifice to her marriage, Hines recently issued what insiders called a “strict ultimatum” to Kennedy, insisting they relocate from their $6 million Brentwood home to a $4.34 million Georgetown row house. She also shuttered her eco-friendly cosmetics brand, Hines + Young, within 90 days of Kennedy’s HHS appointment to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Cheryl Hines: Early Life & Rise to Stardom
Long before she became RFK Jr’s wife, Cheryl Hines carved out an impressive Hollywood career with her warm personality and perfect comic timing. Her journey from humble beginnings to Emmy-nominated actress reveals the determination behind her dazzling red-carpet smile.
Growing Up in Florida & Finding Comedy
Born September 21, 1965, in Tallahassee, Florida, Cheryl Ruth Hines knew what it meant to struggle. Her family’s finances were so tight that she didn’t even have her own bed until after finishing high school – an early hardship that likely shaped her remarkable work ethic.
After graduating from the University of Central Florida, Cheryl juggled various jobs to pay the bills. She waited tables, answered phones as a telephone operator, and took whatever work came her way. Her Hollywood dreams weren’t realized overnight – far from it. She spent years working odd jobs before landing a position as assistant to director Rob Reiner, giving her that crucial first foothold in the entertainment industry.
“I was willing to do anything to break into the business,” Cheryl once shared in an interview. “When you’re waitressing and someone says they might be able to help you get a job in Hollywood, you drop everything.”
Her natural comedic instincts found the perfect training ground at The Groundlings, the legendary Los Angeles improv troupe that launched stars like Will Ferrell and Melissa McCarthy. There, she developed the quick-thinking style that would later make her the perfect foil to Larry David’s antics.
In a delightful bit of trivia that shows how unpredictable life can be, Cheryl appeared as a contestant on “The Dating Game” in 1996 – and wasn’t chosen by the bachelor. Looking back, that rejection seems like a blessing considering where life would eventually take her!
Breaking Through on Curb Your Enthusiasm
Cheryl’s life changed forever when she landed the role of Cheryl David, the fictional wife of Larry David on HBO’s groundbreaking comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” The largely improvised show was tailor-made for someone with her background, as actors worked from outlines rather than fully scripted scenes.
“Until Curb, I’d done small roles, really small roles,” Cheryl has reflected. “They wanted to cast an unknown actress. It worked in my favor that I hadn’t done anything. It changed my life.”
What made her performance truly special was her ability to be the grounded center of the show while still delivering plenty of laughs herself. She wasn’t just reacting to Larry’s social disasters – she created a fully realized character who audiences adored. This remarkable work earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2003 and 2006).
Larry David became more than just a co-star – he became a mentor who helped shape her career. In a touching full-circle moment, it was actually Larry who would later introduce her to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a charity event.
Expanding the Resume
With “Curb” as her launching pad, Cheryl’s career blossomed in multiple directions. On the big screen, she appeared in films like “Herbie: Fully Loaded” (2005), shared scenes with Robin Williams in “RV” (2006), and joined the ensemble cast of “A Bad Moms Christmas” (2017).
Television continued to showcase her talents when she took on the role of Dallas Royce in ABC’s “Suburgatory,” playing a materialistic suburban mom whose designer exterior hid a genuinely good heart.
Not content to stay solely in front of the camera, Cheryl made her directorial debut with “Serious Moonlight” in 2009, guiding performances from stars Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton. She also lent her distinctive voice to animated productions like “Son of Zorn,” proving her versatility extends beyond what audiences can see.
Her contributions to entertainment earned her the 2,516th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – a concrete testament (literally!) to her impact on the industry long before headlines would identify her as RFK Jr’s wife.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cheryl has a big heart for causes that matter to her. She serves on the board of United Cerebral Palsy, inspired by her nephew’s diagnosis with the condition. This blend of professional success and personal compassion reveals the depth behind the smile that lights up red carpets.
As noted in an NBC News profile, Cheryl Hines has a unique ability to balance the tragic with the comic – a skill that would serve her well in the years ahead, both on screen and in her increasingly public personal life.
The Love Story: How Cheryl Hines Became the RFK Jr Wife
When Hollywood meets American political royalty, magic can happen. That’s exactly what unfolded in the unlikely yet captivating romance between Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – a love story that bridged the entertainment world with one of America’s most storied political dynasties.
How the RFK Jr wife Met Her Future Husband
It all began on the slopes – quite literally. In 2006, at a ski weekend fundraiser for Waterkeeper Alliance (the environmental organization Kennedy founded), Larry David played an unexpected cupid. Hines’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-star practically pushed her toward Kennedy with a casual suggestion: “You should go skiing with Bobby.”
Hines has often shared this story with a laugh, noting her initial reluctance to hit the slopes that day. Though they met and chatted, the timing wasn’t quite right for romance. Kennedy was still married to his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, while Hines was focused on her flourishing career and raising her young daughter.
The universe had other plans, however. In 2010, their paths crossed again, and by 2011, sparks were flying. Their relationship developed during a complicated period – Kennedy was going through a difficult divorce that ended tragically when Mary died by suicide in 2012. Through these challenging circumstances, Hines provided steady support, demonstrating the depth of character that would define their partnership.
Wedding & Family Dynamics
The summer breeze at Hyannis Port carried promises of forever on August 2, 2014, when Hines and Kennedy exchanged vows at the iconic Kennedy family compound in Massachusetts. Their ceremony beautifully merged Kennedy tradition with environmental consciousness – a testament to their shared values.
Saying “I do” meant embracing a wonderfully complex blended family. Kennedy brought six children from his previous marriages – Bobby III and Kathleen from his first marriage to Emily Black, and Conor, Kyra, Finn, and Aidan from his marriage to Mary Richardson. Hines contributed her daughter, Catherine Rose Young, born in 2004 from her previous marriage to Paul Young.
For Hines, becoming a stepmother to six Kennedy children required patience, grace, and a healthy dose of humor – qualities she has in abundance. She’s managed to accept her role in this large family while maintaining her own vibrant identity and career. Together, they’ve created new traditions that honor both their backgrounds while charting their unique course.
Anniversary Traditions & Social Media Tributes
Over the years, the couple has developed their own special ways to celebrate their union. Their anniversary celebrations often involve family gatherings that blend Kennedy’s love for sailing and outdoor trips with Hines’s more laid-back, humor-filled approach to life.
Their social media provides sweet glimpses into their relationship. On their fifth anniversary in 2019, Kennedy’s Instagram tribute revealed the depth of his feelings: “Happy Anniversary to the most beautiful, hilarious, passionate, and brilliant woman I have ever met. Thank you for the unimaginable happiness, the beautiful, loving children you have helped me raise, the endless laughter…”
Hines takes a lighter approach online, sharing casual family moments, sailing trips, and candid shots that humanize their high-profile relationship. This balance between Kennedy’s passionate intensity and Hines’s warm humor seems to be their secret sauce – each complementing what the other brings to the table.
We’ve observed them at numerous events, and what stands out is the genuine affection between them. While Kennedy might be discussing environmental policy with fierce conviction, Hines often stands nearby with a supportive smile, occasionally adding a quip that lightens the mood and reminds everyone not to take life too seriously.
Their love story reminds us that sometimes the most enduring partnerships are those that bring together people from different worlds, creating something entirely new and beautiful in the process.
The Public & Private Life of the RFK Jr Wife amid Politics & Scandal
Life as RFK Jr’s wife comes with unique challenges—especially when your husband has presidential ambitions and a knack for stirring controversy. Cheryl Hines has had to develop her own playbook for handling the intense spotlight that follows the Kennedy name.
Where the RFK Jr wife Stands on His Political Ambitions
When Kennedy launched his presidential campaign, Cheryl stood firmly by his side, making appearances at rallies and embracing the possibility of becoming First Lady. “If somebody told me tomorrow, ‘You’re going to be the First Lady,’ I would say, ‘Great, let’s do it,'” she candidly shared with People magazine during his 2024 campaign.
Yet Hines has masterfully maintained her own identity throughout Kennedy’s political journey. When reporters press her about specific policy positions, she deflects with her trademark humor, admitting that discussing platform details “makes my blood pressure go up too much.” This approach allows her to support her husband while preserving her independent persona.
In private conversations, Hines has compared life on the campaign trail to episodes of HBO’s “Veep”—finding genuine comedy in the often absurd world of American politics. This perspective seems to have served as emotional armor during the more challenging moments of Kennedy’s political career.
Most recently, Hines demonstrated her commitment by attending Kennedy’s Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing in February 2025, where he was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Her presence spoke volumes about their unity despite the personal challenges they’d weathered in previous months.
Handling Controversies & Media Storms
Their marriage faced a significant test in January 2022 when Kennedy made highly controversial remarks comparing COVID-19 vaccine mandates to the Holocaust, saying people today “can hide in an attic, like Anne Frank did.” The comments drew swift condemnation, including from members of the Kennedy family itself.
In a rare move that surprised many observers, Hines publicly distanced herself from her husband’s statement. She wrote on Twitter (now X): “My husband’s reference to Anne Frank at a mandate rally in D.C. was reprehensible and insensitive. The atrocities that millions endured during the Holocaust should never be compared to anyone or anything. His opinions are not a reflection of my own.”
Behind closed doors, the situation was even more dramatic. According to insiders, Kennedy was so worried about how the controversy might affect his wife’s career and emotional well-being that he offered to stage a fake separation to shield her from the backlash. Hines declined this extraordinary proposal, choosing instead to weather the storm together—a testament to her commitment to authenticity even in crisis.
The Sexting Allegation Fallout
The most personal challenge to their marriage emerged in early 2025, when allegations surfaced about Kennedy engaging in a sexting relationship with New York Magazine journalist Olivia Nuzzi. While Nuzzi later acknowledged the communications occurred but weren’t physical, she admitted they should have been disclosed to avoid ethical concerns in her reporting.
The revelation reportedly devastated Hines. Sources close to the couple told us she was “absolutely still recovering from the emotional shock and pain” in the weeks that followed. Sharp-eyed observers noted Hines appeared without her wedding ring at several events, fueling speculation about their marital status.
Rather than filing for divorce, Hines took a more strategic approach. She reportedly issued what friends described as a “strict ultimatum” to Kennedy: relocate their life to Washington, D.C., where she could maintain closer oversight of their relationship, or face consequences she left unspecified. As one insider confided, “Cheryl doesn’t feel Bobby can be trusted one iota living on his own in D.C.”
This ultimatum led directly to their purchase of a $4.34 million Georgetown row house in early 2025—a stunning property described as “the epitome of ritzy Georgetown elegance” and conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the White House. The move represented a significant sacrifice for Hines, who had built her entire career in Los Angeles and owned a beloved $6 million home in Brentwood.
As we’ve observed in our coverage of high-society marriages, this kind of dramatic lifestyle shift—trading Hollywood’s familiar comforts for Washington’s political fishbowl—reveals the extraordinary lengths to which Hines is willing to go to preserve her marriage while protecting her dignity and establishing clear boundaries.
Beyond the Spotlight: Business Ventures, Advocacy & Viral Moments
While her role as RFK Jr’s wife has dominated headlines in recent years, Cheryl Hines has maintained her own identity through business ventures, advocacy work, and memorable public moments that showcase her personality beyond her famous marriage.
Entrepreneurship & the D.C. Relocation Ultimatum
In 2023, Hines started on a new chapter as an entrepreneur, launching Hines + Young with her daughter Catherine. This wasn’t just any beauty brand—it was a reflection of Hines’s environmental values, featuring eco-friendly cosmetics with plastic-free luxury packaging. The collection included everything from soothing lip balms to aromatic candles, all priced under $50 to make sustainable luxury accessible.
“I wanted to create something that was just trying to help us stay calm, feel good, and smell good,” Hines explained about the brand’s mission. One particularly clever product was a candle labeled “MAHA”—a playful nod to Kennedy’s campaign slogan “Make America Healthy Again.” This touch of humor perfectly captured Hines’s ability to support her husband while maintaining her own distinct voice.
However, when Kennedy accepted his appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services in February 2025, Hines made the difficult but principled decision to wind down her budding business within 90 days. The final weeks saw dramatic discounts—12 candles for $70 instead of $240, lip balms at nearly 65% off—as Hines prioritized ethical considerations over personal ambition.
Around the same time, the couple purchased a stunning Georgetown row home, signaling their commitment to a new Washington chapter. The $4.34 million property (negotiated down from $4.695 million) offers 4,876 square feet of late 19th-century colonial charm, complete with six fireplaces, a spa-like master bath, and an enviable location just a 15-minute stroll from the White House.
Friends of the couple suggest the move holds deeper meaning for Hines, who reportedly feels that Georgetown living gives her “the imprimatur of being a genuine Kennedy wife,” echoing Jacqueline Kennedy’s pre-presidential Georgetown residency. More practically, the location allows Kennedy to easily commute to his HHS duties while keeping the couple in close proximity—a priority for Hines following recent relationship challenges.
Advocacy & Philanthropy
Beyond the business world, Hines has shown remarkable dedication to causes close to her heart. Her role on the board of trustees for United Cerebral Palsy wasn’t chosen randomly—it was inspired by her nephew’s diagnosis, changing a family challenge into a platform for broader advocacy.
She’s leveraged her celebrity status with authenticity, participating in charity poker tournaments and awareness campaigns without the performative quality that sometimes characterizes Hollywood philanthropy. Her commitment to environmental consciousness—evident in her plastic-free product line—aligns with Kennedy’s advocacy while maintaining her own distinct approach to sustainability.
We at R. Couri Hay Columns have observed how Hines steers the delicate balance between Hollywood glamour and genuine commitment. This authenticity has earned her respect across entertainment and advocacy circles alike—no small feat in either world.
Viral Moments & Pop-Culture Buzz
If you’ve followed Hines on social media, you’ve likely witnessed some of her most endearing (and occasionally awkward) viral moments. Perhaps none was more memorable than her Hines + Young Black Friday promotion, where Kennedy unexpectedly appeared in the shower behind her. Her quick-witted response—”Oh Bobby… no, no. I’m doing a video”—captured the playful dynamic of their relationship and reminded fans of her comedic timing.
Then there was the Trump handshake moment that social media users quickly dubbed “straight out of Curb Your Enthusiasm.” When the former President appeared to snub Hines’s extended hand at an event, the awkward pause that followed felt like it could have been scripted for her HBO series. Though Trump supporters later shared photos showing him returning to shake her hand, the initial moment had already cemented itself in pop culture.
Away from the cameras, Hines has developed quite a reputation at the poker table. Her strategy? Talking constantly to throw opponents off their game. “It works every time,” she’s admitted with a laugh. This approach—using conversation as strategy—seems perfectly emblematic of how she steers the complex social dynamics of Kennedy family life while preserving her own identity.
As RFK Jr’s wife, Hines continues to bring warmth, humor, and authenticity to a role that comes with tremendous scrutiny. Whether she’s closing down a business for ethical reasons, advocating for cerebral palsy awareness, or creating unintentionally viral moments, she remains refreshingly herself—a quality that’s increasingly rare in public life.
Frequently Asked Questions about RFK Jr wife
Who is Cheryl Hines and what is she famous for?
Cheryl Hines is the talented actress who captured America’s heart long before she became RFK Jr’s wife. Born in Tallahassee, Florida on September 21, 1965, Cheryl’s warm smile and impeccable comic timing first shone on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where she played Larry David’s long-suffering fictional wife. This breakthrough role earned her two Emmy nominations and established her as a comedy force to be reckoned with.
Her journey to stardom wasn’t overnight, though. Before the bright lights of Hollywood, Cheryl worked odd jobs including a stint as director Rob Reiner’s assistant. Her comedy education came at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, the legendary improv school that counts Lisa Kudrow among its famous alumni. This training ground proved invaluable for “Curb,” where the largely improvised format allowed her natural wit to shine.
Beyond her signature role, Cheryl has built an impressive resume including films like “RV” alongside Robin Williams, “Herbie: Fully Loaded,” and “A Bad Moms Christmas.” TV viewers might also recognize her from “Suburgatory” or her voice work on “Son of Zorn.” In 2009, she stepped behind the camera to direct “Serious Moonlight,” starring Meg Ryan.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognized her contributions with star number 2,516 in 2014—coincidentally the same year she married into America’s most famous political dynasty by becoming RFK Jr’s wife.
How did Cheryl Hines respond to RFK Jr’s controversies?
When you marry into the Kennedy family, controversy comes with the territory—but Cheryl Hines has steerd these waters with remarkable grace and authenticity. She’s developed a thoughtful approach that balances loyalty to her husband with staying true to her own principles.
Perhaps the most striking example came in January 2022, when Kennedy made headlines by comparing COVID-19 vaccine mandates to the Holocaust, specifically referencing Anne Frank. While many spouses might have remained silent, Cheryl took to social media with remarkable clarity: “My husband’s reference to Anne Frank at a mandate rally in D.C. was reprehensible and insensitive,” she wrote, adding firmly that “his opinions are not a reflection of my own.”
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Throughout their marriage, Cheryl has maintained a delicate balance when it comes to Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and public health—topics now central to his role as HHS Secretary. She once told the New York Times with characteristic candor, “I’ve learned to stay out of it because my words live on, and I love him.” This simple statement captures her approach: loving the man while not necessarily endorsing all his opinions.
The 2025 sexting scandal with journalist Olivia Nuzzi tested their marriage in a more personal way. Rather than airing grievances publicly, Cheryl reportedly took a more private approach, issuing what sources called a “strict ultimatum” about relocating to Washington, D.C. This strategic move allowed her to maintain dignity while establishing clear boundaries for their relationship moving forward.
Why is her cosmetics line Hines + Young shutting down?
The closure of Hines + Young represents one of the more poignant sacrifices Cheryl has made as RFK Jr’s wife. The eco-friendly cosmetics brand she launched with her daughter Catherine in 2023 embodied Cheryl’s personal values—sustainable, plastic-free luxury at accessible price points. Products ranged from soothing candles to body creams, all designed to help customers “stay calm, feel good, and smell good,” as Cheryl herself put it.
One clever product, a candle labeled “MAHA,” playfully nodded to Kennedy’s campaign slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” showing how her business reflected her personal life while maintaining its own identity.
Following Kennedy’s February 2025 appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services, however, Cheryl made the difficult decision to wind down operations within 90 days. This wasn’t just a business move but an ethical choice to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, as Kennedy’s role overseeing the FDA and other health agencies could potentially affect regulations relevant to the cosmetics industry.
The brand’s final months featured bittersweet liquidation sales—12 candles for $70 (normally $240) and 12 body creams for $100 (normally $300)—as Cheryl closed this chapter of her entrepreneurial journey to support her husband’s political career.
This sacrifice illustrates the personal compromises that come with being RFK Jr’s wife during his increased political visibility—trading one dream for another while maintaining the ethical standards that have characterized their public life together.
A new chapter, a deeper commitment
As RFK Jr’s wife, Cheryl Hines has steerd an extraordinary transition from Hollywood star to political spouse with remarkable grace and authenticity. Her recent Georgetown relocation represents more than just a change of address—it symbolizes her commitment to making their marriage work while embracing a new chapter in Washington’s political landscape.
What makes Hines such a compelling figure is her ability to harmonize seemingly contradictory aspects of her life. She balances Hollywood glamour with Kennedy gravitas, maintains her own liberal perspectives alongside her husband’s sometimes controversial positions, and infuses serious political moments with her natural warmth and humor. This balancing act speaks to her adaptability and strength of character.
Through public controversies, personal challenges, and professional sacrifices, Hines has demonstrated unwavering commitment to her marriage while establishing clear boundaries. The decision to close her eco-friendly Hines + Young brand and relocate across the country shows just how much she values their relationship, even as she continues pursuing acting opportunities that speak to her own passions and talents.
Conclusion
At R. Couri Hay Columns, we’ve observed countless political spouses steer the delicate intersection of public and private life. Hines brings something special to this role—she neither fully accepts nor rejects the Kennedy mystique but instead crafts her own authentic approach. When she compares campaign life to an episode of “Veep” or gently scolds Kennedy during that unexpected shower appearance in her promotional video, we glimpse a woman who maintains her sense of humor despite the serious nature of her husband’s work.
As Kennedy settles into his Health and Human Services Secretary role and the couple establishes their new life in Georgetown, Hines faces exciting possibilities. She might leverage her Hollywood connections to champion causes close to her heart, return to television projects that showcase her comedic talents, or focus primarily on supporting her husband’s ambitious agenda. Most likely, she’ll find a way to do all three with her characteristic blend of practicality and charm.
What seems certain is that Cheryl Hines will continue approaching her role as RFK Jr’s wife with the same warmth, humor, and pragmatism that has defined her response to challenges so far. Following in the tradition of strong women who have married into America’s most famous political dynasty, she has proven she can weather storms while remaining true to herself—a balancing act perfectly suited to her considerable talents and generous spirit.
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