Hollywood Friendships Tested As Cheryl Hines Stands by Husband RFK Jr.

Actress Cheryl Hines, known for Curb Your Enthusiasm, reportedly experienced strain in some of her Tinseltown relationships following her union with former presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Her Curb castmate Larry David famously brought the pair together, and their wedding took place at the Kennedy estate in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in August of 2014.RFK Jr.'s increasing visibility within the anti-vaccination movement later brought him into conflict with conventional healthcare organizations, and his choice to become the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump's second term in January 2025 appeared to distance numerous former associates of his spouse. Hines remained supportive of her husband throughout his political endeavors."When Bobby entered the political scene, a small number of my friends found it too emotionally challenging to maintain our closeness," she revealed to CBS News in October 2025. "And I can comprehend that."Celebrity BFFs: Hollywood's Closest PalsContinue reading to discover the current status of several of Hines' Tinseltown connections.

Larry David

Hines stated that her Curb Your Enthusiasm fellow actor presented her to Kennedy at a skiing charity event in 2004. (The couple wouldn't seriously commence their relationship until 2010.)"Larry was quite pleased with the relationship and remarked that Cheryl was the finest individual he had ever encountered," Kennedy recounted in a 2024 discussion. "He stated that she was adored within the entertainment world and was the sole person in Hollywood without any adversaries."Nevertheless, Kennedy subsequently admitted that David expressed a distinctly different sentiment about their partnership when the Curb originator conversed with Hines in private."He declared, 'Oh, that's absolutely not going to succeed,' " Hines shared.When questioned if David was joking, Kennedy conceded that the humorist was truly offering his enduring castmate "sound counsel."Jack Schlossberg Trolls Cousin-in-Law Cheryl Hines: 'Never Met'Hines maintained her collaboration with David on Curb Your Enthusiasm even after wedding Kennedy. Yet, David publicly clarified his position when Kennedy informed The New York Times that he sensed "considerable backing and affection" from Hines' circle, David included, after declaring his brief presidential candidacy in 2023."Indeed, affection and encouragement, but I am not 'endorsing' him," David specified in a text to the Times.Hines disclosed on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in 2024 that she and Kennedy shared a meal with David on the very evening his statement was published."Strangely, it wasn't awkward," she informed host Andy Cohen. "These two have maintained their friendship for such a long time, and I believe when Larry made that comment, he was simply being Larry, along the lines of, 'Oh, I'm behind him, but I'm not endorsing him.' And I think Larry and Bobby were like, 'Alright, fine.' And I was just like, 'Hand me the asparagus. This is an odd evening, but alright.'"

Rachael Harris

Hines and Harris forged a deep friendship in the mid-1990s, during their time performing with the esteemed L.A. sketch comedy ensemble The Groundlings, a group that propelled the careers of Conan O’Brien, Lisa Kudrow, Kristen Wiig, Jennifer Coolidge, and numerous other comedic giants."Rachael and I have been close friends for ages. There's no need to pinpoint a date. And I mastered improvisation at the Groundlings and honed my sketch comedy skills," Hines shared with People in 2024. "Had I not acquired those improv abilities, I would never have secured a role in Curb Your Enthusiasm. So, truly, it completely altered my trajectory."In that same year, Harris — primarily recognized for her roles in Lucifer and Suits — affectionately called Hines "my heart" during her conversation with the magazine."I've consistently told Cheryl that should she ever depart, I'm following her," Harris joked. "So, our friendship dates back to roughly 1995. And what I appreciate saying about Cheryl currently is that I adore her. She's the initial person I wish to speak with upon waking in the morning, and the final person I want to converse with before retiring at night."

Ted Danson

Hines and Danson collaborated on Curb Your Enthusiasm for more than two decades, encompassing a season where their fictional counterparts had a short-lived romantic involvement.Given Kennedy's entry into the Trump administration, Danson disclosed on the "Howie Mandel Does Stuff" podcast in April 2025 that he had lost contact with both Hines and Kennedy."I no longer encounter either of them," Danson stated to host Howie Mandel.Danson expressed that inquiring with Hines about Kennedy's political aspirations felt like "not his concern," although she had, on one occasion, confided in him that it was "challenging to be wedded to a highly contentious individual."The former Cheers star acknowledged political intricacies arose from his wife Mary Steenburgen's strong bond with Bill and Hillary Clinton, considering Kennedy's previous criticisms of the Clintons."If Cheryl wished for me to understand her experience with Bobby at this juncture, she would inform me," Danson remarked. "However, until someone communicates it, I believe it's not my concern."

Tig Notaro

Hines and the Star Trek veteran co-hosted the well-liked podcast "Tig and Cheryl: True Story" for four years prior to putting the series on hiatus in 2024.Numerous listeners of the podcast speculated that Notaro – who has twin boys with her wife, Stephanie Allynne — felt uneasy with Hines and Kennedy's increasing association with conservative political factions, a suspicion the comedian verified in October 2025."Cheryl is married to Bobby Kennedy Jr. When he declared his candidacy, I simply sensed a need to withdraw because certain viewpoints that were once a minor irritation years ago were gaining more prominence," Notaro explained on the "Breaking Bread With Tom Papa" podcast.Cheryl Hines Enjoys Birthday With Daughter, Stepdaughter After RFK ScandalNotaro highlighted that her bond with Hines "preceded her union with Bobby," yet the politician's contentious convictions caused a rift in their companionship."Again, other convictions he held were akin to a minor annoyance to me. But then it began to intensify, and Cheryl wished for me to listen to Bobby's perspective. … And then he backed Trump, and at that point, things simply became difficult," Notaro recalled.The comedian further stated, "Cheryl certainly brought me immense happiness. However, my current aim is to return to valuing individuals and professional tasks that genuinely bring me delight."