Cheryl Hines Says Political Scrutiny ‘Next Level’ Compared to Hollywood Criticism

WASHINGTON — Actress Cheryl Hines, wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said Monday that the intensity of political criticism she has faced far exceeds anything she experienced during her decades in Hollywood.

Appearing on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star contrasted the relatively mild backlash that comes with a film or television project to the personal attacks that have followed her husband’s role in the Trump administration.

“In Hollywood, you put out a movie, everybody’s joyful, there might be some chatter — ‘Oh, it’s not a good film’ — but politics is next level,” Hines said.

She pointed to her October appearance on ABC’s “The View,” where co-host Sunny Hostin called Kennedy “the least qualified” person ever to lead HHS secretary. Hines pushed back, noting that the vast majority of past HHS secretaries have not been physicians and that one was an economist.

Hines said she tries to defuse tense exchanges by listening and seeking common ground, adding, “Some people don’t want to engage that way.”

The actress acknowledged that some friendships have cooled after the 2024 election and her husband’s appointment, explaining that Kennedy once enjoyed broad support in Hollywood for his environmental work but has faced a “different reception” since aligning with President Trump on public health issues.

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