Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Cheryl Hines and Larry David: Political Alliances Ice Out a TV Reunion

Cheryl Hines may be blacklisted from former TV husband Larry David's new HBO comedy project with the Obamas, sources tell Daily Mail

The Curb Your Enthusiasm Reunion That Wasn't: Cheryl Hines' Political Downfall and the Obamas' Wrath

In a shocking turn of events, it seems that Cheryl Hines' chances of reuniting with her longtime TV husband Larry David on the small screen are fading faster than a Kennedy dynasty's reputation. The comedian and screenwriter is working on a new HBO comedy series to mark America's 250th anniversary next year, but sources close to the production tell us that Hines' marriage to Donald Trump's Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has made her a persona non grata in the eyes of the Obamas.

The show, which will feature six half-hour episodes, is set to be produced by the former president and first lady's production company, Higher Ground. But insiders claim that Barack and Michelle Obama are "vehemently opposed" to Hines' involvement due to her perceived ties to Trump and his administration. The Obamas, known for their progressive politics, see Hines as a liability and don't want her associating with their lucrative media project.

According to insiders, the former president and first lady are opposed to Hines's involvement due to her marriage to Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and her political and friendly ties to Trump

But why the sudden change of heart? It's no secret that Larry David has always been a liberal Democrat, and his friendship with the Kennedys goes way back. In fact, it was at a 2004 charity ski event that Kennedy met Hines, who was then separated from her first husband, Hollywood producer Paul Young. But what happened next is where things get juicy.

Sources close to the family claim that Kennedy had a secret affair with Hines behind his wife's back. Mary Richardson, Kennedy's second wife, was devastated by the news and felt "betrayed" by what she called the "sisterhood" of women who supported each other, not their husbands' infidelities.

The drama didn't end there. In 2010, Kennedy filed for divorce from his second wife, and two years later, Mary Richardson took her own life in the garage of their home in Bedford, New York. It was a tragic reminder of the darker side of the Kennedy family's history.

Barack, 63, and Michelle, 61, Obama were last month revealed to be teaming up with David on the new series which is set to premiere next year. The couple pictured 2019

Fast-forward to 2014, when Hines married Kennedy at the storied Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Larry David was a guest of honor, and sources claim he once told Kennedy that "nothing you ever do will rattle her." Little did he know that their friendship would be put to the test.

But what about the Obamas? Why are they so opposed to Hines' involvement in the new show? Sources close to the production tell us that it's all about politics. The Obamas see Hines as a liability, and don't want her associating with their project. It's not just about her marriage to Kennedy; it's also about her friendship with Donald Trump.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Hines admitted that she found Larry David's ex-wife Laurie's comments about her "odd" because they didn't have a close relationship. But sources close to the couple claim that their friendship has chilled significantly since Kennedy dropped his Democratic affiliation and ran as an Independent against Joe Biden last year.

The project marks David's return to television, a year after his long-running HBO series, Curb Your Enthusiasm, concluded its 12th and final season. He's also known as the co-creator of hit NBC sitcom Seinfeld; pictured with wife Laurie

As for the new show, it will feature a mix of Curb Your Enthusiasm cast members and other guests, but casting details remain under wraps. With her gig in the new show uncertain, Hines is reportedly pursuing other projects. She recently served as executive producer and star in a low-budget horror short film in Italy with her 21-year-old daughter Catherine from her first marriage to Paul Young.

But don't worry, folks; it's not all bad news for Cheryl Hines. She's also landed a $600,000 advance from RFK Jr.'s longtime book publisher and political backer to pen a memoir due out in November entitled Unscripted. And let's be real; with her Kennedy connections, she's got a built-in audience.

So what's next for Cheryl Hines? Will she find a way to redeem herself in the eyes of the Obamas and Larry David? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this drama is far from over. Stay tuned!

The Curb Your Enthusiasm series finale aired in April 2024, after 12 seasons. Hines and David were seen attending the premiere last year

The new HBO comedy series is set to be released next year, and while the Obamas are producing it, they're not exactly thrilled about Hines' involvement. But what do you think? Should she be given a second chance or does her politics disqualify her?

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Jerry Oppenheimer's books on the Kennedys
  • Interviews with sources close to the production and the Kennedy family

Hines famously played David's character's wife on Curb Your Enthusiasm for all 12 seasons

David's ex-wife, Laurie, took aim at Hines earlier this year in a barbed post on Threads after she was seen supporting her husband at his Senate confirmation hearings

Kennedy has since become a MAGA ally and Trump acolyte as the administration's Secretary of Health and Human Services; pictured at his Senate confirmation hearing in January

Hines is now facing what one source called 'cancel culture wrath at the highest level of progressive political power', due to her links to the Trump administration

David, whose once-close bond with Hines has reportedly cooled, had a good relationship with her husband before RFK Jr. launched his presidential bid against Biden last year and then took a role in the Trump administration in February