Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wife? Inside Cheryl Hines’ Life and Marriage to RFK Jr.

How Did Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines Meet?

The love story between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines began with a seemingly unlikely connection: Larry David, the comedic genius behind *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. The two were introduced in 2011, not long after Kennedy’s second marriage ended. What began as a slow-burning friendship soon blossomed into a passionate romance, with the couple going public in 2012 and marrying in 2014.

Their bond has always reflected a blend of admiration and shared values, despite their vastly different upbringings. Kennedy, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Robert F. Kennedy, grew up within the world of politics and activism, while Hines, an actress best known for her role in *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, had a more modest upbringing in Central Florida. Yet, as Cheryl puts it, “We are recognized for different things, but we balance each other beautifully”​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

A Wedding at the Kennedy Compound

The pair tied the knot on August 2, 2014, at the famed Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The event was quintessentially Kennedy, set against the backdrop of the family’s summer reunion and featuring a guest list that included political figures like Senator Ed Markey, and celebrities such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Kevin Nealon​:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Interestingly, the couple initially considered eloping, but their large families—particularly their mothers—desired a more significant celebration. Hines humorously reflected that their dog even walked her down the aisle, adding to the day’s intimate yet relaxed charm. “It felt natural, fun, and just right for both of us,” Hines noted​:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}​:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Cheryl Hines’ Career and Life Before RFK Jr.

Long before she became Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines had already built an impressive career in Hollywood. After years of struggling to make ends meet, Hines gained fame with her breakout role as Cheryl David on the hit HBO show *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. Her comedic timing and relatable on-screen presence endeared her to millions of fans. Hines continued to build her filmography with movies like *Herbie: Fully Loaded* and *RV*​:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}​:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

However, her life before stardom was far from glamorous. Cheryl grew up in a working-class family in Florida, attending West Virginia University and later transferring to Florida State University before completing her degree at the University of Central Florida​:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. These early struggles grounded her, instilling a strong work ethic that has guided her personal and professional life.

Cheryl Hines: A New Role in Politics

Being married to a Kennedy has inevitably placed Cheryl Hines in the political spotlight. As RFK Jr. launched his 2024 Presidential Campaign, Hines was quick to express her support, stating, “I want Bobby to feel loved and supported by me”​:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}​:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. While she has been involved in some campaign activities, Hines prefers to keep a lower profile, balancing her career with the responsibilities of being part of one of America’s most famous political families.

Her marriage to Kennedy has also brought her closer to environmental activism, an area in which RFK Jr. has built a significant reputation. Hines herself has publicly embraced a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, from making small changes like switching to energy-efficient light bulbs to becoming more vocal on sustainability issues​:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

RFK Jr.’s Family and Cheryl’s Role as Stepmother

RFK Jr. comes from a large, high-profile family, with six children from his previous marriages. Cheryl, who has one daughter from her marriage to Paul Young, has adapted well to her role as stepmother. “We work together as a team, and I think the most important thing is being true to yourself,” Hines said about blending their families​:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}​:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

The couple has also been open about how they manage their complex family dynamics. Kennedy’s children, ranging from their 20s to early 30s, are involved in various industries, from acting to activism. Hines’ focus on family values has helped them navigate these complexities with grace and humor.

Hines + Young: A Mother-Daughter Business Venture

One of the most significant shifts in Hines’ life post-marriage has been her foray into business with her daughter, Catherine Rose Young. In 2023, they launched Hines + Young, an eco-friendly cosmetics line focused on reducing single-use plastics. This venture aligns with the Kennedy family’s environmental values, and Hines has acknowledged the irony of launching a new business in the middle of such a hectic political season​:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}​:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Hines remarked in an interview, “It’s slightly ironic that we are launching during such a stressful time, but that’s just life”​:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. This business endeavor not only underscores Hines’ entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights her commitment to sustainability.

Public Challenges and Criticisms

Despite their harmonious relationship, RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines have not been immune to public scrutiny. Kennedy’s controversial stance on various issues, particularly his views on vaccines, has often made headlines. In response, Hines has chosen a measured approach, offering quiet support while maintaining her public image as a beloved actress and advocate for positive change​:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

“There are times when it’s challenging, but we’ve always been able to navigate through difficult situations with love and understanding,” Hines noted in a recent interview​:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines get married?
They got married on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts​:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Who introduced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Cheryl Hines?
They were introduced by their mutual friend Larry David, creator of *Curb Your Enthusiasm*​:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Does Cheryl Hines have children from previous marriages?
Yes, Cheryl Hines has one daughter, Catherine Rose Young, from her previous marriage​:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}​:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

How many children does RFK Jr. have?
RFK Jr. has six children from previous marriages​:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

Biography Table: Cheryl Hines

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Cheryl Ruth Hines
Born	September 21, 1965
Occupation	Actress, Director, Entrepreneur
Spouse	Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (m. 2014)
Children	One daughter, Catherine Rose Young
Notable Works	Curb Your Enthusiasm, RV, Herbie: Fully Loaded

Quotes from Interviews

– Cheryl Hines on Her Marriage to RFK Jr.: “It’s fun that the two families are coming together. I come from a big family, and the Kennedys are a big family. It feels very natural and sweet”​:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
– RFK Jr. on His Marriage: “Thanks for the unimaginable happiness, for your wise and compassionate counsel, for your generous spirit, and for your faithful companionship”​:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

Quotes from Social Media

– Instagram Post by RFK Jr.: “Happy Anniversary, Love. We’ve been around the world and back, and I’ve loved every minute with you”​:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

References:

people.com
wikipedia.org
thelist.com
abcnews.go.com
eonline.com