In my opinion, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” stands out as one of the most clever and humorous sitcoms ever created. A significant factor contributing to its greatness is the chemistry between Cheryl Hines and Larry David.
The warmth and playful tension between these two, along with their witty exchanges, rival those found in nighttime cop or lawyer dramas.
Cheryl, who initially climbed the acting ranks before gaining recognition for her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is now predominantly known for her role as Larry David’s enduring wife on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Despite her current status as part of “American royalty” through her marriage, Cheryl’s journey in the entertainment industry was hard-fought. Born on September 21, 1965, in Miami Beach, she grew up in Tallahassee with modest means but a strong expectation for success and education.
Cheryl’s passion for acting, cultivated during her time with the Young Actors Theatre in high school, was influenced by her father’s comedic flair, James Hines, who sadly passed away in 2015.
After graduating from the University of Central Florida, Cheryl moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, facing challenges such as working as a waitress, television reporter, and even Rob Reiner’s personal assistant.
Experiencing the harsh realities of Hollywood, Cheryl resisted pressure to undergo plastic surgery, choosing not to conform to certain industry expectations.
Her breakthrough came when she embraced improvisational comedy and sketches at The Groundlings Theater, where she learned valuable skills in improvisation and comedy writing. Before “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Cheryl had minor roles in shows like “Swamp Thing” and “Unsolved Mysteries.”
Landing the role of ‘Cheryl’ in the sitcom, despite initial doubts and a quirky audition process, marked a turning point in her career. The majority of the show’s dialogue is improvised, making Cheryl’s portrayal so authentic that some from her hometown believed she had actually married Larry David in real life.
Having appeared in over 100 episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Cheryl’s character eventually parted ways with Larry in season 8, leading to her on-screen relationship with Ted Danson.
Beyond her success in “Curb,” Cheryl has engaged in various projects, including films like “RV” alongside Robin Williams. Her first marriage was to producer Paul Young, and after seven years, they divorced amicably, remaining close friends and collaborators.
In 2014, Cheryl married Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a union facilitated by Larry David’s introduction at a shared event. Despite recent controversies surrounding Kennedy’s statements, Cheryl remains supportive, emphasizing the need for mutual learning and understanding.
Cheryl’s versatile career includes a role in the ABC sitcom “Suburgatory,” where she portrayed Dallas Royce. Her endearing smile and talent have earned her a permanent spot on the panelist of “I Can See Your Voice.”
As Cheryl continues to grace our screens, it’s evident that, like fine wine, she ages gracefully. Thanks to her memorable contributions, we look forward to more successes in her future endeavors!
n “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” the dialogue is primarily improvised, with a loose script providing a framework for the actors. Watching the episodes recently, I found myself completely immersed, forgetting that Cheryl Hines was acting; it felt like she was Larry’s real-life wife.
Apparently, I wasn’t alone in this confusion. Cheryl shared that when the show first aired, people in Tallahassee speculated that she might have gotten married.
Cheryl has been featured in over 100 episodes of the show, but sadly, her character and Larry separate in season 8. Post-breakup, she begins dating Larry’s friend Ted Danson. HBO renewed the series for a twelfth season in August 2022.
After Cheryl Hines called her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr. invoking Anne Frank in anti-vaccines speech "reprehensible," he has apologized #THRNews pic.twitter.com/q91ARQYnlu
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 25, 2022
Despite her success on “Curb,” Cheryl, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014, has been involved in various projects. One notable film is the road comedy “RV,” where she acted alongside the late Robin Williams. Cheryl’s role as a discontented mom enduring a chaotic family trip marked her debut in a major movie.
Cheryl recalled the disbelief of her friends when she mentioned co-starring with Robin Williams. She praised Williams for his kindness and inclusivity on set, despite being the central star of the movie.
Encounters with other celebrities like writer Nick Hornby and playing Running Charades with Barbra Streisand highlight Cheryl’s diverse social circle. Additionally, Cheryl, a poker enthusiast, has won $50,000 over the years. An interesting anecdote involves having lemonade with Fidel Castro at his home in Cuba about a decade ago.
Cheryl’s first marriage was to producer and manager Paul Young in 2002, resulting in a daughter named Catherine Rose Young in 2004. After seven years, Cheryl and Paul divorced amicably, remaining close friends and professional collaborators.
She humorously pointed out that Larry David was her “first husband” due to their on-screen marriage in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Cheryl then married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2014, with Larry David introducing them at an event.
The couple’s wedding, held at the Kennedy compound on Cape Cod, was attended by 300 guests, including Larry David and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Cheryl expressed how her life improved after meeting Kennedy and witnessing the positive impact of his family on people.
Despite recent controversies surrounding Kennedy’s statements against vaccine mandates, Cheryl criticized his remarks as “reprehensible and insensitive.” She emphasized the importance of mutual learning in their relationship.
In 2011, Cheryl joined the ABC sitcom “Suburgatory,” playing Dallas Royce. While the show received praise, it ran for only three seasons. Cheryl’s appearance in an episode where her character undergoes excessive botox provided a comedic twist.
Known for her sweet demeanor in Hollywood, Cheryl’s ageless appearance prompts comparisons to fine wine. As a permanent panelist on “I Can See Your Voice,” Cheryl’s future projects remain to be seen, but her continued presence on our screens is anticipated. Cheers to the memories she has created, and best wishes for the future!