Cheryl Hines is a celebrated actress best known for her role as Larry David’s fictional wife in the hit HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. While she’s captivated audiences with her comedic talents, Hines’ personal life, especially her marriage, has also sparked public interest. Cheryl Hines’ husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is not only part of a historically significant political family but has also built his own legacy as an environmental attorney and political activist. Their union brings together the worlds of Hollywood and American politics in a way that fascinates many.
Here’s a closer look at Cheryl Hines’ husband and their relationship.
| Profile | Cheryl Hines | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1965 | January 17, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Miami Beach, Florida, USA | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Profession | Actress, Director | Environmental Attorney, Activist, Politician |
| Famous For | Curb Your Enthusiasm | Environmental activism, Kennedy family legacy |
| Years Active | 1996 – Present | 1980s – Present |
| Marriage Date | August 2, 2014 | August 2, 2014 |
| Children | 1 daughter (Catherine Rose Young) | 6 children from previous marriages |
| Notable Achievements | Emmy Nominations, Curb Your Enthusiasm | Founder of Waterkeeper Alliance, Author |
Cheryl Hines’ Early Life and Career
Before delving into her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., it’s essential to understand Cheryl Hines’ background. Born on September 21, 1965, in Miami Beach, Florida, Hines was raised in a middle-class family in Tallahassee. Her journey into show business wasn’t an immediate leap; Hines studied communications at the University of Central Florida and moved to Los Angeles with ambitions of making it in Hollywood.
She worked a variety of jobs, including as a personal assistant to producer Rob Reiner, and pursued comedy through the famous Groundlings improv troupe in LA. This background in improv eventually led her to be cast in Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2000, a role that would catapult her to fame. On Curb, Hines played Cheryl David, Larry’s patient and sensible wife, and her performance won her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations.
While her career thrived, Hines kept much of her personal life private, especially during her first marriage to Paul Young, a managing partner at Principato-Young, a management firm. The couple married in 2002 and had one daughter, Catherine Rose Young, before divorcing in 2010. It wasn’t until a few years later that Hines would meet Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and embark on the next chapter of her life.
Who Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a significant figure in American politics and environmental activism, widely known for his legal work advocating for clean water and conservation efforts. Born into the Kennedy dynasty, he is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General and U.S. Senator, and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy family has long been a prominent name in American politics, and RFK Jr. has continued the family tradition of public service.
However, Kennedy’s life has been marked by personal tragedy and public scrutiny. His father was assassinated in 1968 when he was just 14 years old. This tragic event deeply impacted him and his family’s sense of duty toward public service. Despite the weight of his family’s legacy, Kennedy Jr. carved out his own path, focusing on environmental issues. He co-founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, an environmental advocacy organization that aims to protect water sources around the world. He also authored several books on environmental justice and led lawsuits against corporations for polluting water systems.
Despite his career achievements, Kennedy’s life has not been without controversy. He has been involved in legal battles, including a high-profile divorce and public debates around his controversial stances on vaccines. But it was through mutual friends that he and Cheryl Hines eventually met and began their life together.
How Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Met
Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met through mutual friends in 2012, at a time when both were coming out of complicated personal situations. For Hines, she had recently finalized her divorce from Paul Young. RFK Jr., meanwhile, was navigating his personal life after the tragic death of his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, in 2012.
Despite their vastly different worlds—Hollywood and politics—the two bonded over their shared interests, including environmental causes and philanthropy. Hines, who had long been interested in social causes, was drawn to Kennedy’s dedication to environmental work. Friends of the couple say their relationship was marked by a mutual respect for each other’s values and a shared sense of activism.
Their romance quickly became serious, and by 2014, the couple announced their engagement. That same year, on August 2, 2014, they tied the knot in a ceremony at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The wedding was a private but star-studded affair, attended by family and close friends, including celebrities like Larry David and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Balancing Hollywood and Politics
One of the most fascinating aspects of Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s relationship is how they balance their careers in such different worlds. Hines, with her comedic background, is a constant presence in Hollywood, juggling her work on Curb Your Enthusiasm, directing projects, and her other television work. Kennedy, on the other hand, has remained deeply involved in environmental activism and politics.
Despite their professional differences, the couple has found common ground in their shared love for advocacy work. Hines has supported Kennedy’s environmental causes, and the couple has been seen at various events that promote water conservation and public health. In interviews, Hines has expressed how much she admires Kennedy’s dedication to the causes he believes in, even when they bring controversy.
Their relationship also highlights the balance required when one partner is more of a public figure in politics and the other in entertainment. Hines has often spoken about how she finds joy in supporting her husband’s causes and how their relationship is strengthened by shared values and mutual respect. She has taken steps to educate herself on environmental issues and has been an active participant in Kennedy’s environmental campaigns.
Navigating Controversies Together
Being in the public eye, both Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have faced their share of controversies. Kennedy’s stance on vaccines, which has brought significant public scrutiny and backlash, has sometimes put Hines in an uncomfortable position due to her high-profile career in Hollywood. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates and has publicly expressed concerns about vaccine safety, a stance that has made headlines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hines, who is generally more private about her views, has had to navigate supporting her husband while maintaining her own public image. She has, at times, distanced herself from his more controversial statements while continuing to stand by him as a supportive spouse. This balancing act underscores the complexities of being married to someone with strong political views, particularly in an age of social media and heightened public scrutiny.
While controversies surrounding Kennedy’s positions have sparked media attention, the couple has remained united in their personal lives. They have focused on their family, their causes, and continuing to balance their individual careers with their marriage.
Life with a Blended Family
Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s marriage also brought together their families from previous relationships. Hines has one daughter, Catherine Rose Young, from her first marriage, and Kennedy has six children from his previous marriages. Together, they navigate the challenges and rewards of a blended family, with Hines often expressing how much she enjoys being a stepmother to Kennedy’s children.
The couple spends much of their time between Los Angeles and the East Coast, particularly at the Kennedy family compound in Massachusetts. Hines and Kennedy have worked to create a family environment that is supportive, loving, and inclusive. They often spend time outdoors, participating in activities that reflect their shared love of nature and the environment.
Conclusion: A Unique Hollywood-Political Union
Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s marriage is a testament to the idea that two people from vastly different backgrounds can build a strong, lasting relationship based on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for advocacy. While their individual careers—Hines in Hollywood and Kennedy in politics—might seem worlds apart, they’ve managed to create a partnership that supports each other’s goals and allows them to pursue their passions, whether on screen or in environmental activism.
Their relationship highlights the balance between personal and public life, especially when both individuals are in the spotlight. Despite the challenges that come with public scrutiny, Hines and Kennedy remain committed to each other, their family, and their shared mission to make the world a better place through their respective platforms.
