Actress Cheryl Hines Explains Why She WON'T Be Campaigning With Her Husband, RFK Jr.

Hines, a celebrated actress best known for her role on the hit comedy show "Curb Your Enthusiasm," expressed her unwavering support for her husband, despite the surfaced controversies. Kennedy, a prominent environmental lawyer, has been criticized for his controversial stance on vaccinations and remarks he made before and after announcing his campaign.

Despite the ongoing discourse, Hines reiterated her commitment to Kennedy and her intention to remain a pillar of support for him during this pivotal time. She said, "I support Bobby and I want to be there for him, and I want him to feel loved and supported by me." Balancing her supportive role with her career has not been without challenges, yet Hines maintains a clear sense of personal boundaries. "I don't feel the need to go to every political event because I do have my own career," she told The New York Times.

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Acknowledging Hines' influence on his campaign, Kennedy expressed his gratitude for her enduring support, characterizing her as a significant asset. "I think ultimately if I get elected, Cheryl will have played a huge role in that," Kennedy confided to The New York Times. He also recognized his wife's innate talent for connecting with audiences, stating, "She has a gift that she's kind of mesmerizing when she's on TV and she's talking, because she's so spontaneous and she has this what I would call a quick, a fast-twitch reflex when it comes to conversation."

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However, Kennedy's political aspirations have not been without controversy, mainly due to his position as an anti-vaccine activist. A speech he gave in January, in which he likened the U.S. government's COVID-19 vaccination drive to the oppressive regime of Nazi Germany, drew widespread condemnation. During this contentious speech, Kennedy invoked the story of Anne Frank, a young Holocaust victim, leading to further public outcry.

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Reflecting on this event, Kennedy admitted, "I visited, in 1962, East Germany with my father and met people who had climbed the wall and escaped, so it was possible. Many died, true, but it was possible." Despite an apology for his remarks, the damage to his campaign and potential effects on Hines' reputation was considerable.

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In the aftermath of the controversy, Hines took to Twitter to differentiate her views from those of her husband. "My husband's opinions are not a reflection of my own," the actress stated. The following day, she added, "My husband's reference to Anne Frank at a mandate rally in D.C. was reprehensible and insensitive. The atrocities that millions endured during the Holocaust should never be compared to anyone or anything. His opinions are not a reflection of my own."

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Amid the escalating backlash, Kennedy revealed he proposed a strategy designed to shield Hines from other adverse effects - the suggestion of announcing a fabricated separation. "I saw how it was affecting her life and I said to her, 'We should just announce that we are separated,' so that you can have some distance from me," Kennedy admitted.

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However, the announcement never came to fruition. Hines rejected the notion, despite acknowledging her frustration with how her husband's remarks could be misinterpreted. "It was also frustrating to hear Bobby say things that could so easily be twisted into snippets that misrepresented his meaning and didn't represent who he is," Hines confessed.

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Despite these challenges, the couple has found support within their shared social circles, including mutual friend and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David. Kennedy felt a reassuring sense of camaraderie from Hines' friends, saying, "I feel a lot of support and love from most of her friends, including Larry."

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David, in a text to the New York Times, nuanced his position: "Yes, love and support, but I'm not 'supporting' him."

Hines also shared her perspective on the ongoing vaccine debate, choosing not to align with or against her husband's views openly. The "A Bad Mom's Christmas" star remarked, "I see both sides of the vaccine situation... And I understand that." She empathized with the public's fear of the unknown, acknowledging concerns regarding vaccine safety and thorough testing. "So if Bobby is standing up and saying, 'Well, are we sure that they're safe and every vaccine has been tested properly?' That doesn't seem too much to ask," she opined.

Hines emphasized the importance of personal agency and the need for individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies, asserting that these choices should be made in consultation with a doctor, not a politician. Her dedication to the ideals of school safety and "bodily autonomy" underlined her stance on the issue.

Despite the whirlwind of her husband's campaign and the subsequent ripple effects on her career, Hines remains focused on her ongoing projects. These include the upcoming Season 12 of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," the third season of "I Can See Your Voice," the coming-of-age comedy "Popular Theory," her podcast with Tig Notaro "Tig and Cheryl: True Story," and her eco-friendly self-care company, Hines+Young, which she founded with her 19-year-old daughter, Catherine.

When queried about the prospect of becoming the first lady, Hines demonstrated a level-headed approach, stating, "I haven't really spent time in that space, because we're not there yet." As for her preparation for the campaign trail, she admitted, "Every day I learn a lot."

As she navigates these uncharted waters, Hines noted that her communication about the campaign differs from her typical conversational style. "It feels like every word is important," she reflected. "Before this, really, my world was just about comedy, so I could make light of things. But now I understand people are listening in a different way, and I know that it's really important to them."

This dynamic narrative that intertwines politics, Hollywood, and personal life paints a revealing portrait of a couple grappling with the complexities of a presidential campaign, all while striving to maintain their identities and the integrity of their relationship. As Hines and Kennedy continue their journey, their story underscores the challenges and adjustments required when the public and private spheres collide on the national stage.