Who Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr Married To?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is married to award-winning actress and comedian Cheryl Hines, widely known for her role as Larry David's wife on the HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. The couple married in August 2014 during a ceremony at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, blending high-profile political lineage with Hollywood comedy.

Before his marriage to Hines, Kennedy was married twice. His first marriage was to Emily Black from 1982 to 1994, with whom he shares two children, Robert "Bobby" III and Kathleen. His second marriage was to Mary Richardson from 1994 until their separation, and she tragically passed away in 2012; together, they share four children, Conor, Kyra, William, and Aidan.

Who Is Cheryl Hines?

Cheryl Hines built a successful career in entertainment long before entering the political spotlight. Born in Miami Beach, Florida, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, working various odd jobs while training at The Groundlings Theater, a famous improvisational comedy troupe that also launched the careers of stars like Lisa Kudrow and Will Ferrell.

Her big break arrived in 2000 when she was cast as Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, a role that earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Beyond television, Hines has appeared in major feature films, including the comedy RV alongside Robin Williams and A Bad Moms Christmas. She also stepped behind the camera, making her feature directorial debut with the 2009 film Serious Moonlight, starring Meg Ryan.

How Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines Met

The couple crossed paths in 2006 through mutual environmental activism. At the time, Kennedy was heavily involved with Riverkeeper, an environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson River, and Hines was supporting various clean-water initiatives.

Their friendship developed over several years before turning romantic. They kept their relationship relatively private during the early stages, given their respective demanding careers in separate industries. They eventually went public as a couple and became a fixture at cultural and political events, combining the worlds of Hollywood entertainment and public advocacy.

Life in the Public Eye and Political Shifts

Marrying into the prominent Kennedy family naturally thrust Hines into intense public scrutiny. As Kennedy transitioned from environmental law and activism into high-profile political campaigns, including his independent presidential run and subsequent appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Hines found herself navigating the unique challenges of political spousehood.

Balancing a comedy career in Hollywood with the polarized atmosphere of national politics requires careful management. Hines has often spoken candidly about maintaining her own identity and career while supporting her husband's controversial public stances and career shifts. Observers frequently note how her improvisational background helps her field unexpected media questions with grace and humor.

Extended Family and Prior Marriages

Understanding Kennedy's marital history requires looking at his large blended family. He shares a total of six children across his first two marriages:

• Robert F. Kennedy III: An actor, writer, and director born in 1984.
• Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy: An actress and activist born in 1988.
• Conor Kennedy: Born in 1994, known for his environmental activism and brief studies at Harvard.
• Kyra Kennedy: Born in 1995, active in fashion and social circles.
• William "Finn" Kennedy: Born in 1997.
• Aidan Kennedy: The youngest of the siblings, born in 2001.

Hines also has a daughter, Catherine Rose Young, born in 2004, from her previous marriage to television producer Paul Young, to whom she was married from 2002 to 2010. Together, Kennedy and Hines maintain a blended household that bridges two distinct generations of family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines get married?

They tied the knot on August 2, 2014, during an intimate ceremony held at the historic Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, surrounded by family, close friends, and notable figures from both entertainment and politics.

Does Cheryl Hines have children?

Yes. Hines has one daughter, Catherine, from her previous marriage to producer Paul Young. While she does not have biological children with Kennedy, she is a stepmother to his six children from his prior marriages.

How did Cheryl Hines and RFK Jr. meet?

They met in 2006 through shared environmental advocacy work, specifically revolving around water conservation and protection efforts led by organizations like Riverkeeper.

Is Cheryl Hines still acting?

Yes. Hines continues to take on acting, directing, and producing projects. Aside from her long-running role on Curb Your Enthusiasm, she co-founded an eco-friendly skincare line called Hines+Young with her daughter to promote sustainable packaging in the beauty industry.