The Unscripted Life: 7 Shocking Secrets About RFK Jr.'s Wife, Cheryl Hines, And Her New Role As A Secretary's Spouse
The question of "Who is RFK Jr.'s wife now?" has never been more relevant, especially with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s high-profile shift from presidential candidate to his current role as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in late 2024/early 2025. The woman standing beside him through this extraordinary political and personal journey is the Emmy-nominated actress and comedian, Cheryl Hines. Their marriage is a fascinating blend of Hollywood stardom and political dynasty, a union that has faced intense public scrutiny, family drama, and a recent, candid revelation in her new memoir.
As of this current date, December 18, 2025, Cheryl Hines remains Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s third wife, a relationship that has been anything but "curb your enthusiasm." From a secret wedding at the Kennedy compound to navigating the complexities of a blended family and a political firestorm, Hines has proven to be a resilient and outspoken partner. Her recent book, *Unscripted*, has pulled back the curtain on the surprising challenges of being married to one of America's most controversial figures.
Cheryl Hines: A Complete Biography and The Blended Kennedy Family
Cheryl Hines is far more than just "Cheryl David" from the iconic HBO series *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. She is a seasoned actress, director, and comedian whose career has spanned decades, culminating in a surprising marriage into the legendary Kennedy political dynasty. Her life before and with RFK Jr. is a story of comedic success, motherhood, and unexpected public life.
- Full Name: Cheryl Ruth Hines
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1965
- Age: 60 (as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
- Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Director
- Best Known For: Playing Cheryl David on *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000–2024)
- First Marriage (Ex-Husband): Paul Young (Television Producer). Married in 2002, divorced in 2010.
- Daughter: Catherine Rose Young (born 2004)
- Current Spouse: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (U.S. Secretary of HHS)
- Wedding Date: August 2, 2014
- Wedding Location: Kennedy Family Compound, Hyannis Port, Massachusetts
The marriage created a large, blended family. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has six children from his two previous marriages, and Hines has one daughter. The combined family unit includes seven children, all of whom are now adults, adding another layer of complexity to their high-profile lives.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Previous Marriages and Children
Cheryl Hines is the third wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. His previous marriages and children form a crucial part of his personal history and the context of his current family structure:
- First Wife: Emily Ruth Black (m. 1982; div. 1994). They met while studying law.
- Children: Robert "Bobby" Kennedy III and Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy.
- Second Wife: Mary Richardson (m. 1994; died 2012).
- Children: Conor Kennedy, Kyra Kennedy, William Kennedy, and Aidan Kennedy.
This extensive family history means Hines not only married a Kennedy but also became a stepmother to six adult children, a dynamic she has spoken about with warmth and honesty, particularly in her memoir, *Unscripted*.
1. The Shocking Memoir: *Unscripted* and the Sexting Scandal
In her recent memoir, *Unscripted*, Cheryl Hines revealed the private turmoil behind their public facade, most notably detailing a sexting scandal that nearly ended their marriage before it began. She describes the intense emotional pain and confusion she felt when explicit messages between RFK Jr. and another woman were made public. The memoir details how she and RFK Jr. "locked ourselves in our room" to navigate the crisis, ultimately choosing to fight for their relationship. This level of candor is unusual for a Kennedy spouse and has generated significant buzz, positioning Hines as a fiercely honest public figure.
The book’s title, *Unscripted*, perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of her life, from her comedic career to her role as a political spouse. It provides a rare, personal look at the commitment required to maintain a marriage under the intense pressure of the public eye and the Kennedy name.
2. Navigating Political Backlash and Hollywood Hypocrisy
Cheryl Hines has been vocal about the professional and social backlash she has faced in Hollywood due to her marriage to RFK Jr., whose political views, particularly his stance on vaccines, have drawn significant controversy. She has publicly called out what she terms "Hollywood hypocrisy," where she felt excluded or judged by peers who disagreed with her husband's politics and activism.
This dynamic was amplified during his 2024 presidential campaign and his subsequent appointment as the Secretary of HHS. Hines has had to consistently balance her own liberal-leaning career and friendships with her husband's non-traditional and often polarizing public platform. She has consistently stated that while she supports her husband, she does not always agree with his political views, a position that requires immense personal and professional fortitude.
3. The Hyannis Port Wedding and Kennedy Family Acceptance
The couple married on August 2, 2014, at the famous Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The location itself is steeped in political history and family lore, making the event a formal welcome for Hines into the extended Kennedy clan. The wedding was a relatively intimate affair, with approximately 300 guests, and marked the start of their life together under the intense spotlight that follows any member of the Kennedy family. Hines' ability to integrate into the often-tight-knit and traditional Kennedy family structure speaks volumes about her personality and resilience.
4. Her Role in the MAHA Movement
Before his role as HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was the founder of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, which focused on environmental health and addressing issues like childhood chronic disease. Cheryl Hines has been a visible and supportive partner in this effort, frequently appearing alongside him and discussing the movement's goals. Her involvement demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond the political sphere, focusing on the environmental and health issues that have been central to RFK Jr.'s life's work as an environmental lawyer and activist.
5. The *Curb Your Enthusiasm* Connection
Despite her new life as a high-profile political spouse, Hines is most recognizable for her long-running, Emmy-nominated role as the fictional wife of Larry David on *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. This comedic identity, often playing the voice of reason against David's chaos, is a stark contrast to the serious political world she now inhabits. The show's enduring popularity, with its final season airing recently, ensures that Hines remains a fixture in the entertainment world, further highlighting the unusual duality of her current life—part Hollywood, part Washington D.C. She has even joked that Larry David is her "first husband" due to their long on-screen marriage.
6. The Hyannis Port Home and Real Estate Portfolio
Following their marriage, the couple acquired a home near the historic Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, solidifying their roots in the family’s traditional base. In addition to their Massachusetts home, Hines and RFK Jr. have maintained a significant real estate portfolio, including properties in California. Hines has spoken about their "chaotic home life" with a large family and multiple residences, further illustrating the complex logistics of their bicoastal, high-stakes existence.
7. The 2028 Election Speculation
With RFK Jr. now serving in a high-level government position, speculation has naturally turned to his future political aspirations, particularly the 2028 Presidential Election. Cheryl Hines has publicly weighed in on this, suggesting that she does not believe her husband will seek the presidency again after his 2024 bid. Her comments provide a unique insight into the private discussions and decisions being made within their household regarding future political moves, serving as a key indicator of the family's direction after his current tenure as HHS Secretary.
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