Unscripted Life: 5 Shocking Details About RFK Jr.'s Wife, Cheryl Hines, And Her New Role In Washington

Contents
As of December 19, 2025, the woman at the center of the political and Hollywood spotlight as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s wife is the Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and director, Cheryl Hines. The dynamic shifted dramatically in the political landscape when RFK Jr. suspended his independent presidential campaign and was appointed the 26th U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), thrusting Hines from the world of *Curb Your Enthusiasm* into the heart of Washington D.C.'s political turmoil. Hines has recently given the public a candid, behind-the-scenes look at her life with one of America's most controversial political figures in her explosive new memoir, *Unscripted*. The book details her struggle to navigate the high-stakes political environment, her marriage to a Kennedy, and the surprising personal challenges that nearly tore their relationship apart.

Cheryl Hines: A Full Biography and Profile

Cheryl Hines is far more than just a political spouse; she is an accomplished Hollywood veteran with a career spanning over two decades. Her life story is a blend of comedic triumph, directorial ambition, and now, high-profile political partnership.

  • Full Name: Cheryl Ruth Hines
  • Born: September 21, 1965
  • Age: 60 (as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Miami Beach, Florida (grew up primarily in Tallahassee)
  • Parents: James and Rosemary Hines
  • Career Highlights: Best known for her twenty-four-year portrayal of Cheryl David, the exasperated wife of Larry David, on HBO's critically acclaimed series *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000–2024). She is also an Emmy-nominated actress and director.
  • First Marriage: Paul Young (Talent Agent). They married in 2002 and divorced in 2010.
  • Children: Catharine Rose Hines (Daughter, born March 8, 2004), from her marriage to Paul Young.
  • Current Husband: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Married August 2, 2014)
  • Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $16 million.

The Relationship Timeline: From Larry David to the Kennedy Compound

The love story between Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one of Hollywood-meets-political-royalty, with an unlikely Cupid: comedian Larry David.

How a Comedian Introduced the Controversial Couple

Hines was introduced to RFK Jr. by her longtime co-star and on-screen husband, Larry David, in 2006 at a ski resort. At the time, Hines was still married to her first husband, Paul Young. Their relationship became public in October 2011, following Hines's divorce and the tragic death of RFK Jr.'s second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy.

The couple got engaged in May 2014 and married just a few months later on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The wedding was a small, private affair, officially cementing Hines's new role in the sprawling, historic Kennedy family.

The Shocking Sexting Scandal That Nearly Ended the Marriage

In her recently released memoir, *Unscripted*, Hines revealed the intense personal crisis that rocked her marriage to RFK Jr. The book details the pain and public humiliation she experienced after a "sexting" affair involving her husband became a major news story.

Hines confessed that the scandal hit her "like a wall" and forced the couple into a difficult period of reconciliation. She describes how she and RFK Jr. "locked ourselves in our room for days" to go through "all of the details about the latest story" and decide whether their marriage could survive the betrayal. Her candid account of the controversy is a central, and highly discussed, part of the memoir, offering a raw look into the challenges of a high-profile marriage.

From Hollywood Star to U.S. Secretary's Wife: Life in Washington

Cheryl Hines's life underwent a seismic shift with her husband’s unexpected political appointment. While RFK Jr. was widely known for his independent 2024 presidential campaign, the latest and most significant development is his confirmed role as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The Reality of Being a Political Spouse

The transition from Hollywood to Washington D.C. has been a challenging one for the actress. Hines has openly stated that she doesn't believe she will "ever get used to being a political spouse," noting the stark contrast between the world of comedy and the serious, often unforgiving, nature of politics.

During the earlier phase of his political career—his 2024 presidential bid—she often supported him publicly but maintained a careful distance from his more controversial stances, particularly those concerning public health issues which now fall under his new HHS purview.

Cheryl Hines’s Take on the Future of RFK Jr.

Despite the intense scrutiny and the demands of being the wife of a cabinet secretary, Hines has been clear about her husband's future political ambitions. In recent interviews in late 2025, she audibly laughed off the notion of RFK Jr. running for president in the 2028 election.

Her focus, as detailed in *Unscripted*, is on maintaining her own identity and career while navigating the "chaotic home life" that comes with a high-profile husband. Hines continues to be an active director and actress, balancing her creative pursuits with the demanding, unscripted role of being the wife of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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