Cheryl Hines: Love, Politics, and the Cost of Friendship

Cheryl Hines, known for her role in Curb Your Enthusiasm, recently shared how her life took a dramatic turn after marrying Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The shift wasn't just personal; it was political. Kennedy's move from Democrat to a prominent MAGA figure created a rift in Hines' friendships. She admitted she was taken aback by how quickly people distanced themselves, showing how deeply politics can affect personal relationships. Hines also spoke about the harsh online criticism she faced. As someone not in political office, she found it shocking to receive such intense backlash. However, she noted that in person, most people were kind. There were exceptions, like a woman who approached them during a coffee outing and made unpleasant remarks before storming off. The actress also revealed that Kennedy's entry into politics was unexpected. Early in their relationship, he had told her he had no interest in politics. Yet, he later decided to run for president, surprising her yet again. Hines recalled that the harshest criticism came from the left when Kennedy initially ran as a Democrat. The Republicans, she said, were kinder to her. Hines laughed off speculation about Kennedy running again in 2028. While she initially dismissed the idea, she acknowledged that he has surprised her before. Her recent appearance on NewsNation came as she promotes her memoir, Unscripted, which details her journey from acting to becoming a political spouse. The cost of politics extends beyond public scrutiny. Comedian Tig Notaro, for instance, distanced herself from Hines as Kennedy's political profile grew, ending their podcast partnership. Hines admitted she had to adapt to her new role as a political wife, ready to answer questions from curious people.