Actress Cheryl Hines revealed that her marriage to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cost her friendships in Hollywood, with some friends distancing themselves over his political alignment with President Donald Trump. Following her contentious October 14, 2025, appearance on “The View,” Hines spoke on several podcasts about how politics has affected her personal life.
The 60-year-old “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star discussed the fallout on the October 27, 2025, “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast, saying some acquaintances found her marriage to Kennedy emotionally overwhelming.
Among those who publicly distanced themselves was comedian Tig Notaro, who had previously hosted a podcast with Hines and maintained a friendship that predated her 2014 marriage to Kennedy. In early October, Notaro explained on “Breaking Bread With Tom Papa” that she needed to step away from the relationship. She described Kennedy’s beliefs as initially minor concerns that grew increasingly prominent as he announced his presidential run and eventually endorsed Trump.
When asked if her husband’s politics affected her career, Hines said she’d probably lost some roles but added that others now want to work with her. She noted that while some people in the entertainment industry feel unable to separate her from Kennedy’s political views, others have approached her expressing genuine interest in working together.
Despite losing old connections, Hines indicated that her social life has actually flourished since relocating to Washington. She expressed appreciation for the people Kennedy works with, describing them as enjoyable dinner party companions. During her appearance on Tucker Carlson’s program, she shared positive impressions of meeting Trump for the first time the previous year, characterizing him as genuine and genuinely interested in others.
Hines also revealed developing friendships with other administration figures and their spouses. She told Megyn Kelly that she particularly likes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette. Additionally, she expressed fondness for Education Secretary Linda McMahon, noting that something about her reminds her of family. First Lady Melania Trump has also been supportive, according to Hines, who recalled Melania encouraging her to enjoy life in Washington following the inauguration.
Hines said politics also strained her friendship with “Curb Your Enthusiasm” co-star Larry David, adding, “I love Larry, and I think Larry loves me… I think it’s just politics.”
David, who introduced Hines to Kennedy at a 2004 ski event fundraiser, has been vocally opposed to Trump and the current administration. In 2023, David told The New York Times that, while he personally supported Hines, he did not back Kennedy’s presidential run. Reports in August suggested Hines was excluded from David’s new HBO project, produced by the Obamas, over political concerns.
Hines’ recent media appearances to promote her memoir “Unscripted,” releasing November 11, have focused heavily on her husband rather than her book. Her October 14 appearance on “The View” became particularly contentious when co-hosts Sunny Hostin, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin questioned her about Kennedy’s decision to support Trump’s candidacy, his stance on vaccines, and his qualifications to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Reflecting on the experience with Bush, Hines expressed disappointment that the conversation wasn’t more personal as she had hoped. She remarked that the panel just wanted to grill her about Kennedy, adding that she didn’t believe the hosts asked a single question about her book. During the tense exchange, when Hostin questioned Kennedy’s qualifications and accused him of spreading misinformation, Hines attempted to respond but was quickly interrupted, prompting her to interject and ask if she could finish speaking.
According to The Daily Mail, longtime Hollywood friends of Hines expressed bewilderment at her transformation from a liberal to a conservative viewpoint. One unnamed pal reportedly questioned how someone so liberal before could now be married to a Trump administration member and defending positions on programs like “The View.” Insiders described her switch from publicly distancing herself from Kennedy’s controversial views to becoming a fully supportive wife as beyond comprehension.
Hines has been married to Kennedy since 2014, maintaining the relationship through 11 years, including his presidential campaign and subsequent appointment to Trump’s cabinet. Despite the personal and professional costs, she indicated during her appearance on Katie Miller’s podcast that she remains committed to her marriage, even as some relationships prove incompatible with her current circumstances.
