Larry David Played A Key Role In Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And Cheryl Hines' Marriage
Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s marriage may seem strange. In fact, even they weren't sure if dating made sense. The couple had met a few times on various ski slopes but, as Kennedy told The New York Times, "I was separated at the time, and Cheryl was still married." However, a friendship slowly formed and eventually, when both became single, it turned into romance in 2012. For the actor, she was most taken by Kennedy's humor, as well as his welcoming family. "When I met them, they were all very genuine and gracious," she told People. "They're the most generous people I've ever met." As for Kennedy, he fell for her character. "She has as much integrity as anyone I've ever seen," he told People in 2014.
After only two years of dating, the pair got engaged in 2014 and married later that year. Ahead of the nuptials, Hines told People, "It feels great because you know you are going to be with the person you really like to be with for a very long time." Indeed, they have been together ever since. In 2020, they both celebrated their anniversary with sweet Instagram posts. While Kennedy thanked his wife for "endless laughter," she gushed about their strong connection. "We've been around the world and back and I've loved every minute with you," she enthused. "I appreciate you in every way."
As it turns out, her real-life love story might never have happened if not for her on-screen love, Larry David.
The key role Larry David played in Cheryl Hines' marriage
Cheryl Hines' decision to date a politician may have come as a surprise to many of her fans, but even more surprising is how she met Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the first place. Speaking with The New York Times in 2014, the actor revealed that it was actually Larry David who introduced them twice. Both encounters came while skiing, first at a resort in Canada, then the following year in Deer Valley, Utah. The third time was the charm, though, as they bumped into each other again at a resort in Aspen, Colorado, and really hit it off.
Hines offered even more insight into their courtship while chatting with Alec Baldwin for his "Here's the Thing" podcast in August 2022. Confirming what a pivotal role her "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star had played, she shared, "He introduced us — just because we were at the same event." Interestingly, he would go on to second-guess that decision. "Later Larry was like, 'That's a terrible idea. No, no, no — don't get involved,'" Hines shared. But he eventually warmed up to the idea, even giving Kennedy some sage dating advice. As Kennedy told The New York Times, he worried about dating an actor, so he asked David for his opinion. The response? "She's the most solid person I've ever met, and the most beloved person among her peers." David also assured him that "nothing you ever do will rattle her," and he was right.
Were Larry David's qualms about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. justified?
Larry David initially had doubts about Cheryl Hines dating Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his qualms may have been justified. RFK Jr. (who is the son of late U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of late President John F. Kennedy) built a career as a respected environmental lawyer, but turned into an outspoken anti-vaccine activist during the 2020 pandemic. In addition to opposing vaccine mandates and touting hydroxychloroquine as a viable treatment, he was banned from Instagram for spreading COVID-19 misinformation. His stance couldn't have been more different from David's, who shot a pro-quarantine PSA.
However, RFK Jr.'s most controversial moment came during a January 2022 rally in Washington, D.C. when he implied that the U.S. had become more oppressive than Hitler's Germany. Fans were quick to express their shock and dismay at the fact that he's married to one of David's closest friends, given that the comedian is so proudly Jewish. While David didn't address the comment, Hines made it known she opposed her husband's opinions. "While we love each other, we differ on many current issues," she tweeted. Indeed, RFK Jr.'s controversial views don't seem to have come between the two actors, with Hines confirming in 2021 that she and David are still "old friends" who love working together.
Now, there's another possible point of contention given that RFK Jr. is running in the 2024 Democratic Primary — "I support his decision," Hines told People — as David is a vocal supporter of Joe Biden.