Unscripted Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Who Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is Married To Now

The answer to "Who is RFK Jr. married to?" is not a political operative or a member of a rival dynasty, but a well-known, Emmy-nominated Hollywood actress and comedian: Cheryl Hines. As of December 2025, the dynamic between Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer turned political figure, and his third wife, Hines, has become one of the most talked-about marriages in American public life, especially following her recent candid discussions about the pressures of being a political spouse.

The marriage, which began in 2014, has been thrust into the national spotlight due to Kennedy's high-profile political endeavors, creating a fascinating and sometimes chaotic blend of Hollywood glamour and political controversy. Hines, best known for her iconic role on the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, has recently offered a unique, "unscripted" look into their life, revealing the personal toll her husband's public career has taken on their family and her relationship with the wider Kennedy clan. This deep dive explores the current Mrs. Kennedy, her career, and the complicated history of RFK Jr.'s three marriages.

The Complete Profile of Cheryl Hines: RFK Jr.'s Wife and Emmy-Nominated Star

Cheryl Ruth Hines is far more than just a political spouse; she is an established and respected figure in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning over two decades in comedy, acting, directing, and producing. Her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2014 marked her entry into one of America's most famous and complex political families, a transition she has openly admitted was a major shift from her life in Hollywood.

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• Full Name: Cheryl Ruth Hines
• Date of Birth: September 21, 1965
• Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Florida
• Profession: Actress, Comedian, Director, Producer
• Best Known For: Portraying Cheryl David, the long-suffering wife of Larry David, on the critically acclaimed HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024).
• Emmy Nominations: Two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Curb Your Enthusiasm.
• Other Notable Work: Starred in the sitcom Suburgatory, directed the film Serious Moonlight, and appeared in movies such as Waitress and RV.
• Previous Marriage: Married to Paul Young (1998–2010), with whom she shares a daughter, Catherine Rose Young.

Hines's background as a comedian and actress has given her a unique perspective on the world of politics. She has often used humor to navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with being married to a member of the Kennedy family and a public figure with controversial views. She has maintained her professional independence, consistently working on her own projects while supporting her husband's endeavors, a balancing act she details in her recent memoir.

From Hollywood to the Kennedy Compound: The Unscripted Marriage

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines were introduced by her Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star, Larry David, and began dating in 2011. They tied the knot on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, a location steeped in American political history. The wedding was a relatively small, private affair, blending the worlds of environmental activism, political legacy, and Hollywood comedy.

The marriage has faced unprecedented public scrutiny, particularly since RFK Jr. launched his political campaign. Hines has been open about the challenges, recently publishing her memoir, Unscripted, which provides a candid look at her life and relationship.

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The Strain on Kennedy Family Ties

One of the most significant and timely revelations from Hines and recent news coverage involves the strain her husband's political positions and campaign have placed on her relationship with the vast and influential Kennedy family.

The Kennedy family is a powerful political entity, and many prominent members, including RFK Jr.'s siblings, have publicly opposed his political path. Hines has spoken about how this has led to a "fractured" relationship with parts of the family, a painful side effect of her husband’s high-stakes public life. She has had to navigate family loyalty versus public political disagreement, a new and uncomfortable role for the veteran actress.

Navigating the Role of a Political Spouse

Hines has repeatedly stated that she never expected to be a political spouse, a role that is, by definition, "unscripted" for her. She has had to adapt to increased media attention, security concerns, and the need to constantly monitor her own public statements to avoid becoming a political liability.

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In interviews discussing her memoir, she emphasized that her primary focus is on her marriage and supporting her husband, even when she may not agree with every one of his political stances. Her memoir details her journey from a small-town Florida girl to a Hollywood star and now, unexpectedly, to a figure on the Washington political scene, highlighting her reliance on humor to handle the chaos and pressure.

A Complex History: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Previous Marriages and Six Children

Before his marriage to Cheryl Hines, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had been married twice, resulting in a large and complex family of six children. His romantic history is a significant part of his personal narrative and provides essential context for his current family structure.

First Wife: Emily Ruth Black

RFK Jr.'s first marriage was to Emily Ruth Black, an environmentalist and writer. They met while studying at the University of Virginia School of Law and were married in 1982. The marriage was relatively short-lived, but they share two children.

• Marriage Duration: 1982 until separation.
• Children:
  • Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy III (b. 1984)
  • Kathleen Alexandra “Kick” Kennedy (b. 1987)

Both Robert III and Kick Kennedy have pursued careers away from the immediate political spotlight, with Robert III being a filmmaker and Kick an actress and social entrepreneur.

Second Wife: Mary Richardson Kennedy

Kennedy’s second marriage was to Mary Richardson, an architect and interior designer. They were married in 1994 and had four children together. Their marriage was a high-profile union that ended in tragedy.

• Marriage Duration: 1994 until separation in 2010.
• Children:
  • Conor Richardson Kennedy (b. 1994)
  • Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy (b. 1995)
  • William Finn Kennedy (b. 1997)
  • Aidan Kennedy (b. 2001)

Their separation was highly publicized, and Mary Richardson Kennedy tragically passed away in 2012. The four children from this marriage, including Conor Kennedy—who briefly dated Taylor Swift—have also maintained a presence in the public eye, often associated with the Kennedy legacy.

The current family dynamic involves RFK Jr.'s six adult children from his previous marriages and Cheryl Hines’s daughter, Catherine, from her first marriage. This blended family, uniting the worlds of political royalty and entertainment, is a core part of the complex personal life of the former presidential candidate and environmental advocate. The stability of his marriage to Cheryl Hines provides an anchor as he navigates the tumultuous waters of his public and political career, a journey she has captured with humor and honesty in her recent writings.

Cheryl Hines's role as the wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is arguably one of the most unique positions in American public life today. She brings a refreshing, self-deprecating Hollywood sensibility to a political dynasty known for its intense seriousness and tragedy. Her willingness to share the "unscripted" realities of their life—from her fractured family ties to the unexpected role of political spouse—offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the personal cost of high-stakes public life, making her a figure of significant public interest.