Cheryl Hines Reflects on Life with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Cheryl Hines opens up about the challenges and dramatic experiences she’s faced alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running for president in 2024. In a heartfelt chat with Fox News Digital, she shared an instance where Kennedy, whom she affectionately calls “Bobby,” suggested that they say they were separated to avoid public scrutiny.
“I mention this in my book, ‘Unscripted,’ because the campaign brought a lot of drama,” Hines noted, referring to the backlash she received for being married to Bobby. “People were quite upset, even yelling at me. Bobby thought it would help if we claimed we were separated. But, honestly, I didn’t think that would work.”
While he meant well, she described the idea as naïve. “It was sweet of him to suggest, but I didn’t see how it would solve anything. Instead, we ended up getting closer. I appreciate where he was coming from, but my life—it’s unique, and that’s part of why I felt compelled to write this book.”
At 60, Hines is known for her role on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and she has been married to Kennedy since 2014. Before that, she was married to producer Paul Young, with whom she has a daughter, Katherine, born in 2004.
On reflecting about the suggestion to declare separation, Hines added, “It’s a pretty extreme idea when things reach that point. That’s another reason I felt inspired to share my story—it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime scenario.”
The Emmy-nominated actress has supported Kennedy through the complexities of his political career. In her discussion, she brought up the intense scrutiny they face during the campaign, including her ongoing fears for his safety, given the Kennedy family’s tragic history.
“I worried a lot about his safety,” Hines admitted. “You know, his uncle John was assassinated, and his father Robert was also killed while running for president. When Bobby declared his candidacy, it was really stressful—especially after witnessing someone break into our property.”
She recalled a moment when security had to confront an intruder in their yard. “It was early morning, and seeing security rush out with weapons drawn—it was nerve-wracking.”
Tensions heightened when a man armed with a loaded gun was apprehended at one of Kennedy’s events. Compounding their stress, Hines mentioned that requests for Secret Service protection for her husband had been repeatedly denied. “Bobby was asking for that protection, but it just wasn’t granted, making everything even harder,” she explained.
Hines reflected on her evolution—from working as a bartender in Los Angeles to earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her memoir, “Unscripted,” captures her journey, dives into her advocacy work for United Cerebral Palsy, and portrays her experience of navigating a blended family in the Kennedy limelight.
When asked about what readers should expect from her upcoming book, Hines had a simple wish: “Have fun.” She mentioned that life is unpredictable, saying, “I lose a nephew during the campaign. It’s been a tumultuous time. We all face challenges, and while we can’t pick when they arise, we can push through them. It’s tough, but that’s life.”
“Life isn’t always smooth sailing,” she concluded, “but it’s important to recognize the good moments when they happen. Embrace them.”
“Unscripted” is set to be released on November 11th.





