Cheryl Hines, best known for her role as Larry David’s wife on Curb Your Enthusiasm, has earned her place as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents. While many know her as the witty and patient Cheryl from the hit sitcom, there’s much more to her story.
Before fame, Cheryl spent years working her way through Hollywood. Her rise wasn’t handed to her—she had to fight hard to make a name for herself. Raised in Miami Beach and later in Tallahassee, Florida, Cheryl came from humble beginnings. Despite the financial challenges her family faced, her parents emphasized the importance of education. Cheryl’s father, James Hines, played a significant role in shaping her sense of humor, a trait she’s cherished throughout her career. He was known for his quick wit, which he passed down to Cheryl, who has often reflected on his influence.
Cheryl initially pursued acting through high school, performing at the Young Actors Theatre, and even worked as an intern for director Rob Reiner. Despite being told that plastic surgery could be the key to success in Hollywood, Cheryl refused to conform to these expectations, choosing to focus on her talent rather than altering her appearance.
Her career took a major turn when she joined the Groundlings Theatre, a prestigious improv group that also trained stars like Lisa Kudrow of Friends. It was there that Cheryl honed her comedic timing and improvisational skills, setting the stage for her future success.
Before landing her iconic role in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Cheryl’s television credits were minimal, consisting mostly of small cameos on shows like Unsolved Mysteries. When she was cast as Larry David’s wife on the show, she was virtually unknown to the audience. Cheryl didn’t even realize the full extent of Larry David’s fame at the time. She recalls asking, “How old is that guy?” during their first meeting. The audition was unconventional, with the casting director warning her not to touch Larry, as the show had a documentary-style feel, but Cheryl’s improvisational skills won Larry over, and she was cast in the role that would become so beloved.
Curb Your Enthusiasm allowed Cheryl to showcase her ability to improvise, with most of the dialogue in the show being unscripted. This organic style made Cheryl’s portrayal of Cheryl David feel incredibly natural—so much so that many viewers initially thought she was Larry’s real-life wife. Though the show’s characters were often filled with awkward, hilarious moments, Cheryl’s role as Larry’s wife balanced the absurdity with warmth and sincerity.
While her character on the show was known for her long-suffering patience with Larry’s eccentricities, Cheryl’s real-life career continued to flourish. She starred in films like RV, where she worked alongside the late Robin Williams. Cheryl described Robin as being exceptionally generous and kind, constantly making sure every actor on set felt valued.
Cheryl’s life became even more intriguing when she met Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the environmental activist and son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Their meeting, arranged by her ex-husband Larry David, quickly blossomed into a romance, and they married in 2014. The wedding, attended by 300 guests, was held at the Kennedy family’s Cape Cod estate.
Her relationship with Robert, who is part of the legendary Kennedy family, brought a new layer of public attention. Cheryl expressed admiration for the work Robert and his family have done for human rights, democracy, and environmental causes. However, their relationship has not been without controversy, particularly due to some of Robert’s polarizing remarks about vaccinations. Cheryl, while supportive of her husband, has expressed her disappointment in some of his comments, emphasizing the importance of thoughtfulness and sensitivity.
In addition to her work on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Cheryl also starred in the sitcom Suburgatory, where she played the over-the-top suburban mom, Dallas Royce. Despite the show’s short run, Cheryl’s performance was widely praised. Her portrayal of a character who indulged in excessive cosmetic procedures for comedic effect provided a glimpse into her versatility as an actress.
Cheryl has since become a permanent panelist on the show I Can See Your Voice, continuing to entertain audiences with her sharp wit and charm. Whether on screen or behind the scenes, Cheryl’s career is a testament to her dedication and humor. As she moves forward in her career, one thing is clear: Cheryl Hines is far more than just a sitcom wife—she’s a Hollywood icon in her own right.