Cheryl Hines Reflects on Friendships Affected by Her Marriage to RFK Jr.

Actress Cheryl Hines opened up recently about how her marriage to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has severed some friendships due to politics. On a podcast, she acknowledged, “I would say yes,” when asked if her political ties led to lost connections. “Some friends are so emotional about politics that they can’t even deal with the fact that I’m married to Bobby. It makes it tough for them to be friends with me.” It seems that the emotional weight of political discussions can be quite heavy for some.

When asked if her husband’s politics played a role in losing acting roles, Hines replied, “Maybe,” but mentioned that there are still individuals in Hollywood who are supportive of her. “Some people just can’t seem to separate me from Bobby,” she noted, adding that others in the industry have expressed interest in collaborating with her. It’s like a double-edged sword, really.

One notable example is comedian Tig Notaro, who admitted on a different podcast that he had to step back from their friendship over Kennedy’s political views. Notaro shared his feelings, mentioning a past experience that led him to this conclusion. “When he announced he was running, I felt I had to step back. It was like a bug in my arm that had resurfaced.” He wasn’t alone in feeling this way, as many grapple with their own beliefs during these times.

Despite their previous close friendship, Notaro found that discussions about Kennedy’s views became increasingly difficult. “He was into environmental law, but then his opinions started to change. Cheryl wanted me to listen to Bobby and consider their ideas, but I just couldn’t get on board,” he expressed, highlighting the complexity of navigating these relationships.

Hines also expressed her concerns about her husband’s safety amid the political climate, acknowledging the heightened tensions. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, she remarked on the varied reactions following Kennedy’s presidential campaign announcement. Many did not support it, yet she noted that those experiences helped to deepen her remaining friendships. “My close friends reassured me, saying, ‘No matter what happens, we’ll get through this,’ and that really helped strengthen those bonds,” she reflected.