Many know her as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s wife – but she’s also famous in Hollywood
If you ask me, Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the sharpest, wittiest sitcoms ever made. A big part of its brilliance is the chemistry between Cheryl Hines and Larry David.
The playful tension, quick exchanges, and sly humor between them rival any dramatic showdown in a cop or courtroom series.
While Cheryl spent years climbing the acting ladder before finding television success, recent headlines have often focused on her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—and even her unusual meeting with Fidel Castro.
From Tallahassee to Hollywood
Born September 21, 1965, in Miami Beach, Florida, Cheryl was raised in Tallahassee in a Catholic household with limited financial means. Despite that, college and success were always expected.
Her love for acting began early. She performed with the Young Actors Theatre in high school and credits much of her comedic instinct to her father, James Hines, whose quick wit left a lasting impact.
After graduating from the University of Central Florida, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. The early days weren’t glamorous—she worked as a waitress, TV reporter, and telephone operator. For a short time, she was even Rob Reiner’s personal assistant.
While interning and sorting through headshots, she experienced Hollywood’s harsh realities firsthand. One female boss bluntly told her to “get a boob job” if she wanted to succeed. Cheryl ultimately rejected that pressure, deciding she didn’t need to change herself to fit an industry mold.
Breakthrough with Curb Your Enthusiasm
Her career gained momentum when she joined The Groundlings improvisational comedy troupe, where she honed her skills in sketch comedy and improv.
When Larry David was casting Curb Your Enthusiasm, he wanted an “unknown actress” to play his wife. Cheryl fit the bill perfectly—though at the time, she didn’t even know much about Larry.
The audition came with unusual instructions: don’t touch Larry, and don’t make it feel “fake.” Fortunately, Cheryl nailed it.
The show’s largely improvised format showcased her natural comedic talent. Over more than 100 episodes, she became inseparable from the character of Cheryl—so convincing that some viewers thought she was Larry’s real-life wife.
Her character eventually separates from Larry in Season 8, but Cheryl’s impact on the series remains unforgettable. HBO renewed the show for a twelfth season in 2022.
Beyond Curb
Cheryl has appeared in numerous projects, including the comedy film RV alongside Robin Williams. She described Williams as incredibly kind and generous, always making his co-stars feel included.
In 2014, Cheryl received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to television.
She has also shared stories of meeting notable figures—playing games with Barbra Streisand, befriending author Nick Hornby, and even once visiting Fidel Castro in Cuba during a trip.
Marriage and Public Attention
Cheryl married producer Paul Young in 2002, and they share a daughter, Catherine. After their divorce, she began dating environmental lawyer and author Robert F. Kennedy Jr., son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
The two married in 2014 at the Kennedy compound in Cape Cod. Interestingly, it was Larry David who initially introduced them—though he later joked it might not have been a great idea.
In recent years, Kennedy has faced criticism for controversial public statements. Cheryl has publicly distanced herself from remarks she described as “reprehensible and insensitive,” emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and balance in their relationship.
A Versatile Actress
In 2011, Cheryl joined the ABC sitcom Suburgatory, playing the over-the-top character Dallas Royce. The show ran for three seasons.
In one episode, her character undergoes exaggerated Botox treatments for comedic effect, wearing prosthetics that dramatically altered her appearance. Thankfully, it was all part of the joke—and she returned to her natural look once filming wrapped.
With her warmth, humor, and resilience, Cheryl Hines has carved out a lasting place in Hollywood. From improv stages to iconic sitcoms, from film roles to high-profile headlines, her journey proves that persistence—and authenticity—can take you far.
