Actress Cheryl Hines is navigating turbulent waters in Hollywood as her marriage to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cost her longtime friendships and professional relationships. The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star’s transformation from liberal Democrat to supporter of the Trump administration has left former friends bewildered and industry insiders stunned.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, sources close to Hines revealed to the Daily Mail that her political shift has been difficult for longtime associates to comprehend. “It’s so hard to make sense in my head because she was so liberal before,” one Hollywood friend reportedly stated. “And now, she’s married to a member of the Trump administration and she’s literally defending his ridiculous s**t on The View.”
Hines addressed the personal fallout during an appearance on The Katie Miller Podcast, confirming she has lost friends over her marriage to Kennedy. She indicated that some friends are so emotional about politics that even being married to Kennedy is too much for them to handle. The actress noted it has become too emotionally taxing for certain individuals to maintain a friendship with her, as they cannot relax in her presence.
The professional consequences extend beyond personal relationships. When asked whether her husband’s politics had led to losing roles in Hollywood, Hines acknowledged this was probably the case. However, she maintained that some entertainment industry figures have continued to support her, with certain individuals approaching her to express their desire to work together. She described the situation as a double-edged sword, acknowledging that some people cannot separate her professional work from her marriage to Kennedy.
The fractures in Hines’ social circle became publicly visible when comedian Tig Notaro, her former podcast co-host and longtime friend, announced she had decided to step away from their friendship. Notaro explained on the Breaking Bread With Tom Papa podcast earlier in October that Kennedy’s political beliefs, which were once minor irritations, had grown into major concerns. Despite Hines wanting Notaro to hear Kennedy out about their ideas, Notaro indicated she could not trust the situation, particularly after Kennedy endorsed Trump.
Perhaps most notably, Hines’ relationship with her television husband Larry David has also deteriorated. During her Monday, October 27, appearance on Hot Mics with Billy Bush, Hines confirmed she has not spoken to David in quite some time. She suggested they probably have not communicated since an event tied to the 12th and final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which premiered in January 2024. “I love Larry, and I think Larry loves me,” Hines stated, before noting that politics complicates conversations between them.
The political divide between Hines and David predates recent events. In 2023, when Kennedy was still running in the 2024 presidential election, David clarified to the New York Times that while he offered love and support to Hines, he was not supporting Kennedy for the White House. Ironically, David introduced Hines and Kennedy at a ski event fundraiser in 2004, though he later advised against the relationship. The couple married in 2014, and Hines revealed in 2022 on Alec Baldwin’s podcast that David initially told her involvement with Kennedy was a terrible idea.
Reports emerged in August that Hines had been excluded from David’s new HBO show, which will be produced by Michelle and Barack Obama. Sources indicated the Obamas are vehemently opposed to Hines participating in the project due to her political connections with Kennedy and President Trump. The series will feature six half-hour episodes with many “Curb Your Enthusiasm” stars expected to reunite, but Hines will not be among them. One well-connected source suggested Hines is facing the cancel culture wrath of Hollywood at the highest level of progressive political power.
Despite the professional and personal losses, Hines maintains she has actually expanded her social circle since moving to Washington. In fact, she says her husband’s new job has been great for her social life.
She told Tucker Carlson that meeting President Trump last summer was a positive experience, describing him as very genuine and interested in other people. She expressed appreciation for the people Kennedy works with, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette, as well as Department of Education head Linda McMahon. Hines also noted that First Lady Melania Trump has been sweet to her, recalling encouragement after the inauguration to enjoy life in Washington.
Hines’ recent media appearances have highlighted the tension between her personal life and professional obligations. During her October 14 appearance on The View to promote her memoir “Unscripted,” she faced questioning about Kennedy’s decision to support Trump’s candidacy, his stance on vaccines, and his medical qualifications to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Reflecting on the visit with Bush, Hines expressed disappointment that the conversation was not more personal. She noted the hosts just wanted to grill her about Kennedy and did not ask a single question about her book.
During the contentious View appearance, Hines attempted to defend her husband against allegations of spreading misinformation when co-host Sunny Hostin questioned Kennedy’s qualifications. After being interrupted, Hines interjected, asking if she could finish her response. The segment ended with Whoopi Goldberg thanking Hines and inviting her to return, to which the actress replied with a surprised “Really?”