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RFK Jr's Wife
The Talented Actress
Cheryl Hines

Kinda Still Under Construction

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  RFK Jr's wife, the popular actress Cheryl Hines, is a blend of comedic charm, grounded warmth, and genuine versatility. Best known for her role as the sharp yet lovable Cheryl David on Curb Your Enthusiasm, she has made her mark in Hollywood with an effortless knack for balancing humor and heart.

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  Off-screen, Cheryl has navigated life with resilience, from her early days of waiting tables and performing improv with the Groundlings to becoming part of the Kennedy family after marrying Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her life’s work reflects both her artistic range and her down-to-earth personality, while her quick wit and compassionate approach make her as relatable as she is talented—a refreshing Hollywood paradox.

   Born on September 21, 1965, in Miami Beach, Florida, Cheryl grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and her childhood rooted in a modest working-class upbringing shaped her resilience, work ethic, and passion for performing.

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Family Background and Childhood

   Cheryl's father, James Hines, worked as a manager for an electronics store, while her mother, Rosemary Hines, stayed at home, managing the household and raising Cheryl and her three siblings. 

   In interviews, Cheryl has described her mom as "incredibly practical and grounded," which helped Cheryl remain humble even when her career began to take off. Her father, by contrast, was more easy-going, supportive of his children's creative ambitions, and had a lighter sense of humor.

Cheryl's family lived in a modest house, and money wasn't always abundant, but they were close-knit and resourceful. Cheryl often references her family as being "very normal" but hardworking. Growing up, she wasn’t part of any extravagant social circles, and her family wasn't involved in the entertainment industry, which makes her later success all the more remarkable.

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School Years and Early Influences

  

  Throughout her high school years in Tallahassee Cheryl was a member of the Young Actors Theatre - one of her earlier exposures to acting.  She also attended Lively Technical Center and Tallahassee Community College before going on to pursue her university level studies.

   Cheryl attended West Virginia University for a time before transferring to Florida State University and ultimately graduating from the University of Central Florida in 1990 with a degree in communication -radio and television.

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   Throughout her schooling, Cheryl was interested in acting, but she didn’t have any direct connections in the entertainment world. During college, she became involved in various student theater productions, and this helped further nurture her love for acting.

   However, she didn’t take a direct route into show business. After college, she worked odd jobs, including waitressing, to make ends meet. She also worked as a personal assistant to Rob Reiner for a period, which gave her insight into the industry but didn’t immediately catapult her into stardom. Cheryl’s early experiences taught her the value of persistence.

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Legendary actor, director,

screenwriter and producer

Rob Reiner

Moving to Los Angeles and Early Struggles

After graduating from college, Cheryl made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She faced the typical struggles of an aspiring actor, balancing various jobs like waitressing and being a phone operator while attending acting classes and auditioning. Her early years in Los Angeles were marked by rejection and a slow buildup of opportunities, but she kept working on her craft.

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Cheryl joined the Groundlings, an improvisational comedy troupe in LA, where she began honing her comedic skills. This experience would be pivotal in her later success. Her improvisational training allowed her to develop the comedic timing and creative instincts that would make her a perfect fit for her breakout role in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

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Breakthrough with Curb Your Enthusiasm

Cheryl's big break came when she was cast in Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2000. The show, created by Larry David, used a largely improvised style, which suited her background perfectly. Playing the fictionalized version of Larry David’s wife, Cheryl’s character struck a balance between the calm, level-headed partner and the foil to David’s neuroticism. The chemistry between Cheryl and Larry on-screen resonated with audiences and launched Cheryl into fame.

  Since Curb Your Enthusiasm cemented Cheryl Hines as a comedic talent, her life has expanded beyond Hollywood, particularly through her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and her role as a mother to her daughter, Catherine Rose Young. Cheryl’s recent years have seen her balancing her professional work in television and film with a public role in a high-profile marriage, as well as managing a blended family with her daughter.

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​    Cheryl met RFK Jr. in 2012 through their mutual friend Larry David, and after a few years of dating, they married in August 2014 at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

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Cheryl’s entry into the Kennedy family, one of America’s most historically significant and scrutinized, brought her into a world unlike any she’d experienced before. Her connection with the family has made her a public figure beyond her acting career, often accompanying RFK Jr. at events and supporting his political and environmental advocacy.

  The two share a passion for environmental issues, something RFK Jr. has championed through his legal battles and advocacy, and Cheryl has supported his efforts in multiple ways, often attending events or promoting causes alongside him.

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   Their marriage has not been without challenges, especially given the polarizing nature of RFK Jr.'s public stances on issues like vaccines and corporate transparency. Cheryl has been publicly supportive of her husband’s views, although she is known for handling public controversy with humor and a steady demeanor.

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They've shared good times together, especially with family gatherings at the Kennedy compound and joint vacations, which Cheryl has spoken about as essential to bonding with the large and complex Kennedy family. The couple’s mutual respect and shared interests have kept them close, even amidst media scrutiny. Cheryl often speaks of RFK Jr.’s dedication to justice and personal courage, qualities she greatly admires.

Connection with the Kennedy Family

   Joining the Kennedy family has meant that Cheryl has become close with RFK Jr.'s children and many other family members. This connection has brought her into contact with the legacy of RFK Jr.'s father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and the sense of responsibility that comes with the Kennedy name.

  Cheryl has shared that she feels honored to be part of such a storied family, one that places high value on service and resilience. Her role as a stepmother has required a delicate balance, and her humor and empathy have likely served her well in integrating into this close-knit but high-profile family.

Cheryl’s Daughter: Catherine Rose Young

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  Cheryl has one daughter, Catherine Rose Young, from her previous marriage to Paul Young. Born in 2004, Catherine is a significant part of Cheryl’s life. Cheryl has shared that being a mother is one of her most important roles, and she works hard to balance her career and family life. Catherine, now a young adult, is reportedly interested in the arts, although she has generally maintained a private life outside the Hollywood spotlight.

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  Their mother-daughter relationship is close, with Cheryl making it a priority to ensure Catherine feels supported, especially within the larger context of her new family connections to the Kennedys.

 

  Cheryl has often spoken about her daughter with pride, highlighting Catherine’s talents, kindness, and intelligence. They share a strong bond, and Cheryl has mentioned that she encourages Catherine to follow her own passions and pursue her interests independently.

Balancing Family and Public Life

  Balancing her career, marriage, and role as a mother in a blended family presents its challenges, yet Cheryl’s adaptability and humor help her navigate these waters. Cheryl has embraced the family responsibilities and public roles that come with being part of the Kennedy family while staying dedicated to her own work. Despite the public pressures, she seems to have built a fulfilling life around family bonds, advocacy, and a rewarding career.

Balancing Family and Public Life

  Balancing her career, marriage, and role as a mother in a blended family presents its challenges, yet Cheryl’s adaptability and humor help her navigate these waters. Cheryl has embraced the family responsibilities and public roles that come with being part of the Kennedy family while staying dedicated to her own work. Despite the public pressures, she seems to have built a fulfilling life around family bonds, advocacy, and a rewarding career.

   Here’s a semi-complete look at Cheryl Hines’ acting filmography, covering her better known television and film roles:
 

Television Shows

  1. Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–present)
    Cheryl Hines is best known for playing a fictionalized version of herself as Larry David's wife, Cheryl David, in this long-running, critically acclaimed comedy on HBO. The show is mostly improvised and follows the everyday life and awkward encounters of Larry David. Cheryl’s character is the grounding force who often deals with Larry’s eccentricities.

     

  2. Swamp Thing (1991)
    Cheryl had a small role in this American superhero horror-fantasy television series based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The show aired in the early 1990s and was known for its campy tone.

     

  3. Unsolved Mysteries (1995)
    Cheryl appeared in an episode of this long-running television show that recreates real-life unsolved cases, including crimes, paranormal phenomena, and disappearances. Cheryl’s role in the show was relatively minor, a common experience for aspiring actors in the mid-1990s.

     

  4. Friends (1999)
    Cheryl had a brief appearance in the iconic sitcom Friends, in the episode titled “The One Where Paul's the Man” (Season 6, Episode 22). Though it was a small role, appearing on one of the most popular shows of the time was a milestone.

     

  5. So Little Time (2001)
    In this short-lived comedy, Cheryl appeared alongside Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The show focused on the lives of two teenage girls balancing high school, friends, and divorced parents.

  6. Father of the Pride (2004–2005)
    In this animated sitcom, Cheryl lent her voice to the character Kate, the lioness. The show revolved around the adventures of the animals in Siegfried & Roy’s Las Vegas show. Although it was a unique project, it was short-lived, running for only one season.

     

  7. In the Motherhood (2009)
    Cheryl played Jane in this sitcom that aired on ABC. The show followed three women navigating the ups and downs of motherhood. The show also starred Megan Mullally and Jessica St. Clair, but it lasted only one season.

     

  8. Suburgatory (2011–2014)
    This ABC sitcom starred Cheryl as Dallas Royce, a wealthy suburban mother and the best friend of the protagonist, Tessa’s dad. The show revolved around Tessa’s culture shock after moving from New York City to the suburbs. Cheryl’s performance as the hilariously exaggerated Dallas earned her critical praise.

     

  9. Son of Zorn (2016–2017)
    A hybrid live-action/animated sitcom, Son of Zorn featured Cheryl as Edie, the ex-wife of the animated warrior Zorn. The show follows Zorn as he tries to reconnect with his human son after years of living in a fantasy world. The show was notable for its unique blend of animation and live-action.

  10. Hollywood Darlings (2017)
    Cheryl made guest appearances as herself in this reality-comedy hybrid, which featured real-life actresses from the 1990s (Jodie Sweetin, Beverley Mitchell, and Christine Lakin) parodying their current lives in Hollywood.

     

  11. The Conners (2020)
    Cheryl guest-starred in a few episodes of The Conners, the Roseanne spin-off, as Dawn, a quirky new love interest for one of the main characters. Her character brought her typical comedic energy to the show.

     

Films

  1. Along Came Polly (2004)
    In this romantic comedy starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston, Cheryl had a small role as a wedding guest. The film revolves around a risk-averse man who tries to change his life after his wife leaves him.

     

  2. Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)
    Cheryl played Sally in this Disney film about a sentient Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie. The movie stars Lindsay Lohan as a young race car driver who takes Herbie to NASCAR.

     

  3. Waitress (2007)
    One of Cheryl’s most notable film roles was in this independent dramedy written and directed by Adrienne Shelly. She played Becky, a waitress alongside Keri Russell’s character, who dreams of escaping her abusive marriage. The film became a cult favorite and was praised for its portrayal of women seeking empowerment and joy.

     

  4. The Grand (2007)
    This improvised comedy film features Cheryl in the role of Lainie Schwartzman, a professional poker player. The film follows various characters in their pursuit of winning a high-stakes poker tournament.

     

  5. RV (2006)
    Cheryl co-starred with Robin Williams in this comedy about a dysfunctional family taking a road trip in a recreational vehicle. Cheryl played Robin Williams’ wife, who endures the mishaps of the family vacation.

     

  6. Space Chimps (2008)
    An animated adventure comedy, Cheryl voiced the character Luna in this film about chimpanzees sent to space. The film was aimed at children and was a lighthearted entry into the animation genre.

     

  7. Life After Beth (2014)
    Cheryl appeared in this zombie comedy-drama starring Aubrey Plaza and Dane DeHaan. The film explores what happens when a man’s girlfriend comes back from the dead and gradually turns into a zombie.

     

  8. Nine Lives (2016)
    In this family comedy, Cheryl starred alongside Kevin Spacey and Jennifer Garner. The film follows a businessman who, through magical circumstances, gets trapped inside the body of a cat.

     

  9. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
    Cheryl played Sandy in this holiday-themed sequel to Bad Moms. The movie focused on the pressures moms face during the Christmas season and starred Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn.

     

  10. The Benefactor (2015)
    Cheryl had a supporting role in this drama starring Richard Gere. The film tells the story of a philanthropist who becomes obsessed with helping a young couple, causing trouble in the process.

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