Cheryl Hines, widely recognized for her role as Cheryl David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, has carved out a successful career in Hollywood. However, her life took a political turn when she married Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the iconic Kennedy family. As of 2024, Hines, 59, and Kennedy, 70, continue to navigate public scrutiny, political disagreements, and personal challenges together.
From Aspiring Actress to Hollywood Star
Born in Florida, Cheryl Hines pursued her passion for acting at the University of Central Florida, where she initially studied theater. However, due to scheduling conflicts with her part-time job, she switched her major to radio and television production. Her early career saw her working as an assistant to famed director Rob Reiner, best known for The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally.
Hines made her first television appearance in the 1993 series Swamp Thing before moving to Los Angeles. She landed minor roles in shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and The Wayans Bros. in the late 1990s. Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Cheryl David, the patient yet frequently exasperated wife (and later ex-wife) of Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm, a role that spanned over 100 episodes.
In addition to her work on Curb, Hines built a diverse film and television portfolio, with appearances in The Flight Attendant, The Conners, and Fresh Off the Boat. She also played a memorable role in the film Waitress, further establishing herself as a respected actress in Hollywood.
A Fateful Introduction: Hines Meets Kennedy
Hines’ personal life took a dramatic turn when she met Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer and political figure. Their introduction came through Larry David at a ski event fundraiser in Banff, Alberta, in 2004. At the time, both Hines and Kennedy were married to other people.
Hines was previously married to producer Paul Young, with whom she shares a daughter, Catherine Rose Young, born in 2006. After divorcing Young in 2010, she began dating Kennedy, who had six children from previous marriages to Emily Ruth Black and Mary Kathleen Richardson.
Despite their 12-year age difference, the couple formed a strong bond. They married in 2014 at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, solidifying Hines’ connection to one of America’s most famous political dynasties.
Political Differences and Public Scrutiny
Although Hines and Kennedy share a deep personal connection, they have frequently found themselves at odds politically. Hines has been open about her disapproval of former President Donald Trump. In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she reflected on the emotional toll of Trump’s 2016 election, stating, “I had to really have a long talk with myself because I thought, ‘I’m not going to make it through these four years.'”
Her husband’s political stances have also placed their relationship under public scrutiny. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates, a position that sparked controversy when he likened U.S. vaccination policies to Nazi rule in 2022. Following his remarks, Hines publicly distanced herself from his views, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “My husband’s opinions are not a reflection of my own. While we love each other, we differ on many current issues.” Kennedy later apologized for his comments.
Despite their differences, Hines has supported Kennedy at key political events, including his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Inauguration Day, and his Make America Healthy Again Ball.
Marital Challenges and Divorce Speculations
The couple’s relationship has faced additional challenges beyond political disagreements. In October 2024, People reported that Hines was contemplating divorce following allegations of Kennedy’s alleged sexting affair with Olivia Nuzzi, a correspondent for New York Magazine.
A source close to Hines revealed, “She’s been talking about filing for divorce, but he’s begging her not to file.” However, a representative for Kennedy denied the allegations, stating that he had only met Nuzzi once.
Despite the rumors, as of early 2025, Hines and Kennedy remain married. The couple continues to navigate their high-profile relationship under the intense scrutiny that comes with being part of the Kennedy family.
Financial Standing: The Couple’s Combined Wealth
Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have accumulated a significant fortune over the years. As of 2023, their combined net worth is estimated to be approximately $15 million, according to Forbes. Their wealth stems from Hines’ successful acting career and Kennedy’s legal and political endeavors. The couple owns multiple properties and investments, though their financial situation has also been affected by legal and political expenses.
