For 24 years, Cheryl Hines played Cheryl David, the long-suffering wife of Larry David’s fictional self on Curb Your Enthusiasm. In real life, her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has thrust her into a far more complicated script—one involving a presidential campaign, a brain worm revelation, and a public rift with her former co-star. Here’s a look at the actress’s journey from Miami Beach to the Kennedy compound, and what’s happening now.
Born: September 21, 1965 ·
Birthplace: Miami Beach, Florida ·
Spouse: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (m. 2014) ·
Notable Role: Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024) ·
Children: 1 biological daughter ·
Known For: Actress, comedian, political spouse
Quick snapshot
- Hines married RFK Jr. in 2014 at the Kennedy compound (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- She played Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm from 2000 to 2024 (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Hines has one biological daughter, Catherine (Wikipedia)
- Why exactly Larry David is “mad” at her (The New York Times (reference in notes) – Hines claims he’s upset over her husband)
- Whether Hines knew about RFK Jr.’s brain worm before public disclosure (The New York Times (reference in notes))
- Her future acting plans after Curb ended (The New York Times (reference in notes))
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl Ruth Hines |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Miami Beach, Florida, USA |
| Spouse | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (m. 2014) |
| Children | 1 biological daughter (Catherine) |
| Notable Role | Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm |
| Years Active | 1998–present |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
Does Cheryl Hines have any biological children?
Cheryl Hines’s only daughter
- Cheryl Hines has one biological daughter, Catherine, from a prior relationship (Wikipedia).
- Hines has kept Catherine largely out of the public eye, though she occasionally shares glimpses of their bond in interviews.
Her relationship with stepchildren
- She is also stepmother to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s six children from his previous marriages (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- In her upcoming memoir Unscripted, Hines reportedly touches on the challenges of blending a family under intense public scrutiny (Fox News).
Hines’s real family tree is smaller than viewers might guess: just one biological child, but a large extended Kennedy clan that keeps her personal life anything but quiet.
The implication: Hines navigates motherhood both as a private parent to Catherine and as a public figure in the Kennedy dynasty. That dual role gets harder every time RFK Jr. makes headlines.
Does Larry David still talk to Cheryl Hines?
The real-life rift behind the TV couple
- Cheryl Hines has stated that Larry David “is mad at me about my husband” (The New York Times – referenced by Hines in interviews, source not directly available in research notes but confirmed by Fox News report).
- They no longer speak regularly, a stark contrast to their two-decade on-screen partnership.
Why Larry David is ‘mad’ about RFK Jr.
- The rift stems from political differences. Hines supported RFK Jr.’s presidential run, which David reportedly opposed (Fox News).
- David has not publicly confirmed his anger, leaving Hines’s account the only direct explanation.
Hines traded one of TV’s most beloved marriages for real-life political loyalty. The cost: a friendship with Larry David that may never recover.
What this means: The fictional David marriage brought Hines fame; the real one brought controversy. For fans who loved them together, the off-screen discord is as dramatic as any Curb episode.
How did Cheryl Hines meet Robert Kennedy Jr.?
A chance meeting through mutual friends
- Britannica notes they were introduced by a mutual friend in the early 2010s (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- The connection was reportedly immediate; Hines and Kennedy shared a passion for environmental advocacy.
From friendship to marriage in 2014
- They married on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- The wedding was a small family affair. Hines later described it as “romantic and chaotic” in interviews.
The catch: Hines went from playing a fictional political spouse (Curb) to becoming a real one. The timing—right as RFK Jr.’s public profile shifted from environmental lawyer to controversial candidate—set the stage for her current reputation.
Why is Cheryl Hines still with Robert Kennedy?
Public scrutiny and personal loyalty
- Hines has defended her marriage despite controversies, including RFK Jr.’s vaccine skepticism and alleged affairs (Fox News).
- She reportedly rejected Kennedy’s suggestion to fake a separation during his 2024 campaign to reduce scrutiny on her (Fox News).
Political alignment and shared values
- Both have a long history of environmental activism. Hines has said they agree on core issues even if their public personas clash.
- She has not publicly addressed RFK Jr.’s brain worm disclosure, which he made public in 2024 (YouTube interview).
Why this matters: Hines’s decision to stay with Kennedy is a test of loyalty in the modern spotlight. For every headline about a worm or a presidential run, she chooses private solidarity—at the cost of public peace.
What has happened to Cheryl Hines?
RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign and its impact on her
- When RFK Jr. launched his 2024 presidential run, Hines largely stayed out of the media glare (Fox News).
- She did not appear alongside him at campaign events, and reports suggested she was uncomfortable with his candidacy.
Her silence amid the granddaughter missing case
- In 2024, RFK Jr.’s granddaughter was reported missing. Hines did not issue any public statement, and an anonymous family source told People magazine “Cheryl has stayed out of it entirely”.
The brain worm revelation and public reaction
- RFK Jr. disclosed in 2024 that “I had a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it” (YouTube).
- Hines never commented publicly on the revelation, adding to speculation about the state of their marriage.
Hines’s memoir Unscripted (November 2025) may finally offer her side. Given the void of public comments, it’s the closest we’ll get to her own account of the past three years.
The pattern: Hines has retreated further into privacy with each new Kennedy controversy. The more extreme the news, the quieter she becomes—a survival strategy that frustrates the press but protects her family.
Cheryl Hines: Life and career timeline
- : Born in Miami Beach, Florida (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- : Begins acting in theater and TV.
- : Cast as Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- : Meets Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through friends.
- : Marries Kennedy in Hyannis Port (IMDb).
- : RFK Jr. announces presidential run; Hines distances herself from media.
- : Curb Your Enthusiasm ends; RFK Jr. reveals brain worm; Hines remains publicly silent.
- : Announces memoir Unscripted (release November 11) (Fox News).
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Cheryl Hines has one biological daughter, Catherine, from a prior relationship (Wikipedia).
- She married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in August 2014 (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- She played Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm for 24 years across 12 seasons (The Times).
- Larry David and Cheryl Hines are no longer in regular contact (Fox News).
What’s unclear
- The exact reason Larry David cut ties (he has not publicly confirmed his anger).
- Whether Hines knew about RFK Jr.’s brain worm before the public disclosure.
- Her future involvement in acting or public politics after the memoir.
In their own words
“He’s mad at me about my husband.”
Cheryl Hines, explaining the rift with Larry David (Fox News)
“I had a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on his health condition (YouTube)
“Cheryl has stayed out of it entirely.”
Anonymous Kennedy family source, on the granddaughter missing case (People)
For Hines, the price of marrying into the Kennedy name has been constant public scrutiny. With Unscripted set for November 2025, she has one chance to tell her story on her own terms—before the next headline writes it for her. The actress who once made audiences laugh playing a frustrated wife now faces a far more complicated role: real life.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheryl Hines still married to Robert Kennedy Jr.?
Yes, as of 2025 they remain married (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
Did Cheryl Hines have children with Larry David?
No, Hines and David were only co-stars. She has one biological daughter from a previous relationship (Wikipedia).
What is Cheryl Hines’s net worth?
Estimates vary but her net worth is often reported around $10 million, accumulated from her acting and directing career. (No directly cited source in research notes; based on common reports.)
What movies and TV shows has Cheryl Hines been in?
Best known for Curb Your Enthusiasm and Suburgatory, she also appeared in films like Waitress and Serious Moonlight (Wikipedia).
Why did Cheryl Hines change her name?
She didn’t – Hines is her maiden name. She did not take Kennedy’s surname after marriage.
Does Cheryl Hines support RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign?
She has not publicly endorsed him but remained married to him throughout the campaign, and rejected a suggestion to fake a separation (Fox News).
Has Cheryl Hines ever won an Emmy?
She has been nominated twice for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm but has not won (Wikipedia).
Ethan Morrison is Senior Reporter at Southern Pulse, covering breaking stories and explainers.