The Political And Personal Turmoil: Who Is Cheryl Hines' Husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

As of December 2025, the husband of Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines is Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer, activist, and member of the legendary Kennedy political dynasty. Their high-profile marriage has been thrust into the national spotlight, not for a new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, but for the tumultuous and deeply personal fallout from RFK Jr.'s recent political endeavors and his subsequent alignment with the Trump administration.

The couple's relationship, which began after being introduced by Larry David, has navigated everything from a 2024 presidential campaign to a highly publicized "sexting scandal," making their union one of the most talked-about in Hollywood and political circles. Hines has openly discussed the personal strain of standing by her husband as he faces criticism from the public and, most notably, a fractured relationship with parts of the extended Kennedy family.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: A Comprehensive Biography

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., often referred to by his initials RFK Jr., is a figure whose life has been defined by environmental advocacy, political activism, and a family legacy that casts a long shadow. His career has taken him from the courtroom to the political stage, culminating in his recent role within a major U.S. administration.

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• Full Name: Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
• Date of Birth: January 17, 1954
• Place of Birth: Washington, D.C.
• Age (as of 2025): 71
• Parents: Robert F. Kennedy (former U.S. Attorney General and Senator) and Ethel Skakel Kennedy.
• Family Lineage: Nephew of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy.
• Education: Harvard University (B.A.), London School of Economics, University of Virginia School of Law (J.D.), Pace University School of Law (LL.M.).
• Primary Career: Environmental Lawyer, Activist, Author, and Politician.
• Key Organizations: Former Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), former Chairman of the board for Riverkeeper, founder of Waterkeeper Alliance.
• Wife: Cheryl Hines (married 2014).
• Previous Marriages: Emily Ruth Black (divorced 1994), Mary Richardson Kennedy (died 2012).
• Children: Six children from his previous marriages.

The Unexpected Union: How Hines and RFK Jr. Met and Married

The story of how the star of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm and the scion of the Kennedy clan came together is a classic Hollywood connection. Cheryl Hines was introduced to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by her longtime co-star and friend, comedian Larry David. The pair began dating and eventually tied the knot in a private ceremony at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in August 2014.

Their marriage marked a significant change for both. For Hines, it meant stepping into the intense scrutiny that comes with being part of American royalty, the Kennedy family. For RFK Jr., it meant a marriage to a beloved comedic actress, adding a layer of celebrity to his already prominent public life. The blend of Hollywood glamour and political gravitas has made them a constant subject of media interest.

Despite their public roles, Hines and RFK Jr. have maintained a relatively private life, focusing on their blended family. However, the political landscape of the mid-2020s would soon pull them back into the center of a national conversation, testing the limits of their personal partnership.

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Navigating Political Turmoil and Family Fractures (2024–2025)

The years 2024 and 2025 proved to be the most challenging for the couple's public image and personal life. RFK Jr.'s independent presidential campaign in 2024, followed by his subsequent decision to join a major U.S. administration, created a deep rift between the couple and the traditionally Democratic Kennedy clan.

The Strain of the 2024 Campaign

During RFK Jr.'s independent run for president, Cheryl Hines stood by her husband, even as his campaign became a focal point for controversy. She publicly supported his ambition but later admitted that the political environment had been a significant source of personal strain. The pressure was so intense that RFK Jr. once suggested they pretend to be separated to deflect negative media attention—a suggestion Hines ultimately dismissed.

The actress, known for her easygoing comedic roles, found herself in the difficult position of defending her husband's often unconventional views and political decisions. She acknowledged that it was "not easy" when people would slam her husband, revealing the emotional toll of their life in the political spotlight.

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The Fractured Kennedy Ties and 2025 Confirmation

The most significant fallout came from the Kennedy family itself. Several prominent members of the Kennedy clan publicly distanced themselves from RFK Jr.'s political path, particularly after he suspended his independent campaign and joined the Trump administration. Hines has openly spoken about the "fractured" ties and the "difficult time" the family has had with her husband's political shift.

A major development in early 2025 cemented RFK Jr.'s new political role: the Senate voted to confirm him for a position within the administration. This confirmation, which occurred in February 2025, officially marked his transition from a presidential candidate to a high-ranking political official, further solidifying his current status as a key figure in the U.S. political landscape.

Despite the controversies and the family drama, Hines has remained steadfast. She has expressed pride in her husband's agenda, which he has sometimes referred to as "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again), showing her commitment to him despite the professional and personal criticism they face.

Future Plans: Will RFK Jr. Run in 2028?

With the 2024 election cycle concluded and RFK Jr. confirmed to his new role in the administration, speculation immediately turned to his future political ambitions. However, Cheryl Hines has been clear about her husband's immediate plans. She has publicly stated that she does not believe her husband will run for the White House in the 2028 presidential election.

This statement suggests that the couple is looking forward to a period of relative stability, focusing on his current role as an environmental advocate and political appointee rather than another grueling national campaign. For now, Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continue to navigate their unique life together, a powerful intersection of Hollywood celebrity and American political history, proving that their love story is as complex and dramatic as any storyline from Curb Your Enthusiasm.