Cheryl Hines: Larry David Friendship Strained by Politics

It turns out even the longest-running TV marriages can't always survive real-world political divides. Curb Your Enthusiasm's Cheryl Hines recently got candid about her current relationship with co-star Larry David.

TL;DR

Cheryl Hines confirmed she hasn't spoken to Larry David in about 18 months, since the Curb Your Enthusiasm finale premiere.
The silence reportedly stems from political differences, particularly regarding Hines' husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s, alignment with the Trump administration.
Hines is currently on a press tour for her memoir, "Unscripted," where she's also addressed other strained friendships and faced scrutiny for her husband's views.

Unpacking the "Pretty, Pretty, Pretty... Bad" Silence Between TV Spouses

For over two decades, fans of HBO's hit comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm watched Cheryl Hines play the long-suffering, yet ever-present, wife of curmudgeonly creator and star Larry David. Their on-screen dynamic was a masterclass in comedic friction, often feeling incredibly real thanks to their improvised performances and genuine chemistry. Off-screen, it seemed their friendship was just as solid, with David even introducing Hines to her now-husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., back in 2004.

However, recent revelations from Hines herself suggest that their real-life connection has hit a significant bump in the road. During an appearance on the "Hot Mics with Billy Bush" podcast, Hines opened up about the current state of her friendship with David, admitting it's been "a while" since they last spoke. When pressed, she indicated the last time they truly conversed was about a year and a half ago, around the time of the Curb Your Enthusiasm final season premiere in April 2024.

This isn't just about busy schedules or the end of a long-running show. Hines was clear about the underlying cause, hinting at the deep political chasm that has opened between many friends and families in recent years.

The Political Divide That's Caused a "Curb" in Their Connection

Cheryl Hines: Larry David Friendship Strained by Politics image 3

The core of the issue, according to Hines, is simple: politics. While she maintains, "I love Larry and I think Larry loves me," she added, "I think it's just politics. We, you know, it makes conversations..." before trailing off, leaving the unspoken truth hanging in the air. This sentiment resonates deeply, as political polarization has become a significant factor in personal relationships across the board.

Larry David's political leanings are well-documented and unequivocally liberal. He's been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and anyone who supports him. David has used his platform, including satirical essays for The New Yorker, to skewer figures he disagrees with. For instance, in April 2025, he penned "My Dinner with Adolf," where he roasted comedian Bill Maher for his seemingly complimentary review of the former president after a White House visit, even likening Trump to Hitler. He also attacked Trump's friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in another essay, impersonating Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

On the other side of the political spectrum is Hines' husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After an independent presidential bid in 2024, Kennedy eventually aligned himself with the Trump administration, reportedly joining as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. This shift to a "full MAGA" stance, as described in the articles, directly clashes with David's fervent anti-Trump views. While David has publicly shut down rumors of supporting Kennedy for president, stating, "Yes love and support, but I'm not 'supporting' him," he has notably avoided criticizing Hines or Kennedy directly.

"I love Larry, and I think Larry loves me. I think it’s just politics. We, you know, it makes conversations..."

— Cheryl Hines on the "Hot Mics with Billy Bush" podcast

It's Not Just Larry: Other Hollywood Friendships Also Feel the Strain

Cheryl Hines: Larry David Friendship Strained by Politics image 4

The political divide impacting her relationship with Larry David isn't an isolated incident for Cheryl Hines. She revealed that her marriage to RFK Jr. has caused friction with other friends as well. Comedian Tig Notaro, who was a former podcast co-host with Hines, described how their relationship deteriorated once Kennedy began his presidential campaign. Notaro explained that she felt the need to "step away" from Hines, reasoning, "You're okaying a particular ride for this country to go on."

Hines herself acknowledged this broader trend, agreeing with Billy Bush that politics has a powerful way of "changing everything" in various friendships and relationships. It’s a sobering reminder that for many, political beliefs aren't just opinions; they're deeply ingrained values that can dictate who they choose to associate with.

Cheryl Hines' Memoir Tour: "Unscripted" Revelations and Media Scrutiny

Cheryl Hines has been making headlines not only for her candid comments about Larry David but also for her book tour promoting her new memoir, "Unscripted." This tour has put her directly in the spotlight, where she's faced intense scrutiny over her husband's political views and her own growing public presence on the political stage. Previously, Hines had largely maintained a silent presence, standing by RFK Jr. as he dealt with critics.

Her memoir tour, however, has seen her echoing some of her husband's more controversial positions, including conspiracies about COVID vaccination and Tylenol's effects on pregnant women. These appearances have led to several memorable, and at times tense, media moments:

Faking a Separation: Hines told CBS News that her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once suggested they fake a separation to shield her from the scrutiny he faced over his vaccine skepticism.
Brain Worm Revelation: During a highly publicized appearance on "The View," Hines candidly admitted that RFK Jr. was once diagnosed with a parasitic brain worm, lightheartedly adding that it "ate a little bit of his brain and died, so don't worry." This interview became particularly tense when co-host Sunny Hostin challenged Hines on her husband's alleged spread of "misinformation." Hines later told Billy Bush that she was "actually hoping that it was going to be more personal on The View, but it was what it was," and that she felt the hosts didn't ask her a single question about her book.
Unusual Diet Details: On Katie Miller's web series (Katie Miller is the wife of Trump adviser Stephen Miller), Hines shared details about RFK Jr.'s strict diet of meat and fermented vegetables, noting that he often eats steak and sauerkraut while she's having her morning coffee.

These anecdotes paint a picture of an actress navigating a new, highly scrutinized public life, where her personal narrative is now deeply intertwined with her husband's political journey. Hines attributes much of the criticism she and her husband face to a general disdain for anything connected to the "MAGA" movement, telling Meghan McCain, "Because it’s MAHA and it feels connected to MAGA, they are furious about it."

Two Decades of "Curb": The Unscripted History of a TV Connection

The estrangement between Cheryl Hines and Larry David is particularly poignant given their long and significant shared history. Hines joined Curb Your Enthusiasm in 2000 and was a main cast member for 11 of its 12 seasons, earning two Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Cheryl David in 2003 and 2006. Their on-screen chemistry was instant and legendary, something Hines recalled feeling even during her initial audition.

"I didn’t know much about Larry at the time," she said, reflecting on her audition. "I knew he was a lot older than me, so I thought, ‘Well, nothing I can do about that, but I’ll just do my best.’ I didn’t feel that surprised when they told me I got the part just because, like, sometimes you walk into a room and you feel the energy and [that] everything’s right, the way it should be in this moment. It just felt very natural."

Beyond their professional collaboration, their personal connection was also strong enough for David to play a key role in Hines' personal life. It was Larry David, in fact, who introduced Cheryl Hines to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2004. While David reportedly told Hines their relationship was "never gonna work" at the time, the couple eventually rekindled their romance and married in 2014. This history makes the current political divide all the more impactful, underscoring how deeply entrenched their friendship once was.

Navigating Hollywood's Shifting Political Sands: A New Career Landscape?

As Hines finds herself firmly entrenched in the political world of Washington, D.C., with her husband, questions naturally arise about the impact on her Hollywood career. She admitted to Billy Bush that she's aware of the potential consequences. "There are probably people who won’t want to work with me because I’m married to Bobby," she conceded, acknowledging the reality of political leanings influencing professional opportunities in the entertainment industry.

However, Hines also expressed optimism, noting that it's not a one-sided street. "At the same time, there are people who are calling me and offering me projects because they like me and don’t care about politics. It might not be the same people that I had been working with," she explained. This nuanced perspective highlights a broader trend in Hollywood, where political alignments can open new doors even as they close old ones, creating a different, perhaps more ideologically aligned, professional network for actors and creators.

For Hines, the journey since her husband's political aspirations took center stage has been a significant learning experience. "I could not have written this script," she remarked, indicating the unexpected twists and turns her life has taken. "I learned a lot when Bobby was running for president. It was a new world for me, but it was interesting watching it all play out."

The Enduring Question: Can Friendship Truly Transcend Politics?

The story of Cheryl Hines and Larry David serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive influence of politics, even on relationships that seemed unshakeable. It asks us to consider whether the bonds of friendship, built over decades and through shared creative endeavors, can truly withstand the deep ideological chasms that define our current landscape. For now, it seems the "curb" in their enthusiasm for each other remains, a quiet testament to the complexities of personal and political life colliding in the public eye.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Hines and Larry David's Relationship Are Cheryl Hines and Larry David still friends? Cheryl Hines recently stated on the "Hot Mics with Billy Bush" podcast that she hasn't spoken to Larry David in about a year and a half, suggesting their friendship is currently strained. What caused the rift between Cheryl Hines and Larry David? Hines attributes the distance to political differences, specifically her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s, alignment with the Trump administration, which contrasts sharply with David's outspoken liberal views. What is Cheryl Hines' book "Unscripted" about? "Unscripted" is Cheryl Hines' memoir. While the full contents aren't detailed in the provided articles, her press tour for the book has featured discussions about her marriage to RFK Jr., his political career, and the impact on her personal and professional life. What are Larry David's political views? Larry David is a staunch liberal and an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and his supporters. He has expressed his views through various platforms, including satirical essays in The New Yorker. Sources