Cheryl Hines Admits She’s 'Angry' With Some Kennedys As Family Rift Deepens

Cheryl Hinesis opening up about the tensions surrounding her marriage to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., revealing that politics has reshaped relationships within both Hollywood and the Kennedy family. The actress has always kept her world anchored in warmth, humor, and family, but marrying into one of America’s most famous political dynasties has placed her in the center of a storm she never expected. As the wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the beloved "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star now finds herself navigating the complicated, often fragile dynamics of the Kennedy family, a clan known as much for its private rifts as its public legacy.

Over the past year, several Kennedys have openly distanced themselves from RFK Jr.’s political path, leaving Hines caught between loyalty to her husband and affection for a family she has long cared for. And on the Hollywood side, her friendships, including those with former co-stars, have also been tested as politics seep into places she once considered safe.

Through it all, Hines has tried to remain gracious and grounded. But now, in part two of her wide-ranging interview on NewsNation’s "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" (weeknights, 7 p.m. ET), Hines spoke candidly about her new memoir, her marriage, and the fallout she’s experienced as her husband navigates a high-profile role in the Trump administration.

When asked directly whether she feels anger toward the Kennedy family for not supporting her husband, Hines didn’t mince words. “Sometimes, yes.”

Hines explained that the fractures within the Kennedy clan have been painful to witness.

“It was a difficult time,” she told "Elizabeth Vargas Reports." “I know that some of them were part of the Biden administration. Or, you know, working somehow in that administration. I understood that, but I was really, really disappointed to see a few of them really speak so disrespectfully about Bobby…it was really disappointing to me."

While acknowledging the family’s size and differing political loyalties, she made clear that the public criticism of her husband stung. You know, I've really loved them through the years and still love them," she added. "But I can't help but to think of some of them differently because I didn't respect what they did.”

Hines also addressed speculation about a rift with her "Curb Your Enthusiasm" co-star Larry David. When asked if the two had spoken, she answered plainly, “I haven't.” Pressed on why not, she said, “Because I think he's mad…Because Bobby's in the administration.”

However, Hines emphasized that she harbors no ill will and would welcome an encounter. “I actually think I would be fine talking to Larry,” she said. “Somebody asked me, what would happen if you walked into a restaurant and he was there? I would be happy to see him and I'd say hi and we'd talk for a second… I'm sure things would be fine with us. And at the same time, I'm sure he's not happy about politics.”

Hines also addressed criticism from actor Bradley Whitford, who publicly attacked her online. “I know Bradley and I don't know if we've worked together, but definitely backstage and stuff. I've always liked him and we have mutual friends,” she said. “So to wake up and see like posts really coming at me was so strange to me.”

She admitted her first instinct was to fire back. “Your first instinct is to say something sarcastic back and then you realize that's not going to be helpful," the actress added. "He did that in a moment of being upset about the political landscape and you just move on. You learn to… I've had to learn what's really important.”

While rumors swirl that Hines is being blacklisted in entertainment circles due to her husband’s political role, she says the truth is more nuanced. “I can't really say yes or no to that,” she said. “There are a lot of people who have been great to me… and they range from oh my gosh, this is crazy, are you okay? To I love what your husband's doing and I'm behind you guys a hundred percent.”

Hines said reactions vary across Hollywood, adding, “There are some people that are just like no, I don't want to talk about it or this person's wrong, you're so wrong I can't even see straight. So there's a range, you know.”

While she acknowledges a few friends are “very upset” by Kennedy’s role in the administration, she revealed, “I haven't had any falling outs. I haven't had a moment of somebody storming out the door.”

Through all the tension, scrutiny, and shifting alliances, Hines is choosing to lead with love, and hoping the rest eventually falls into place.