Cheryl Hines Admits It Was ‘Scary’ Leaving Hollywood for RFK Jr. and D.C.

Cheryl Hines Shares the Fear and Excitement of Moving from Hollywood to Washington, D.C.

Cheryl Hines, the Emmy-nominated actress best known for her role on HBO’s hit series *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, recently revealed how intimidating it was to leave behind her established career in Hollywood and embrace a new life in Washington, D.C. This significant life change came as she stood beside her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during his presidential campaign.

In an exclusive interview, Hines described the move as “scary” because it felt like starting over at an age when many feel settled. “The move from Hollywood to D.C. was, uh… you know, it was, at first, it was scary because it felt like starting over at 35,” she said with a laugh, clarifying that she wasn’t actually 35 but emphasizing the emotional weight of the transition. Despite the initial fear, Hines found herself surrounded by fascinating, intelligent people in D.C., which gave her an energy boost and a fresh perspective on life.

This change was not just geographical but cultural and professional. Hollywood’s glitz and glamour contrast sharply with the political grit and intensity of the nation’s capital. Yet, Hines embraced the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning. “When you’re learning things for the first time, it’s exciting,” she added.

Hollywood’s Mixed Reactions and Strengthened Friendships

The actress also opened up about the mixed reactions she encountered in Hollywood following her husband’s political ambitions. Many in the entertainment industry were unsupportive of Kennedy’s presidential campaign, which created tension and uncertainty for Hines. However, this adversity clarified who her true friends were. “I had my really close friends that said, ‘OK, you’re going to get through this, no matter what happens.’ And it made my friendships stronger,” she shared.

Interestingly, Hines was surprised by the bipartisan support her husband received. “I think what was really surprising to me was how many Democrats, independents and Republicans supported Bobby,” she said. This cross-party backing was unusual and meaningful to her, highlighting that political divides can sometimes be bridged by shared values and respect.

Despite the political noise and public scrutiny, Hines remains committed to her new path. She acknowledges that change is inherently difficult but necessary. “Change is always good, and it’s almost always hard… sometimes you dread it and then when it’s happening you realize, ‘Oh, oh, I get it. This is why this change is necessary’… I’m going to lean into it. I’m going to go with it and see what it’s about,” she explained.

Personal Challenges and the Reality Behind the Spotlight

Beyond the public eye, Hines has faced intense personal challenges during this transition. She revealed that during the campaign, her husband suggested they pretend to be separated to avoid the backlash she was receiving for being married to a controversial political figure. “Some people were very upset that I was even married to Bobby. They were vocally coming at me because I’m married to Bobby,” she said. Although this idea was born out of concern, Hines felt it wouldn’t have helped and reflected on how dramatic and extreme the situation had become.

Hines also shared poignant moments from her memoir, *Unscripted*, which chronicles her journey from bartending in Los Angeles to becoming a Hollywood star and then stepping into the political spotlight. She candidly discusses the loss of her nephew during the campaign and how life’s challenges come unexpectedly but can be overcome. “Life isn’t perfect, you know? Things happen — you don’t get to choose when they happen. So, it was a dramatic time. When you read it, you’ll see everybody has challenges. You don’t get to pick when they come, but you can move through them — it’s not easy, but that’s OK,” she said.

Her memoir, set to be released on November 11, offers readers an intimate look at her resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty and change.

Support from Friends and the Importance of Being ‘Unflappable’

When asked about advice from her longtime friend and *Curb Your Enthusiasm* co-star Larry David, Hines shared a humorous yet insightful response. Larry David, known for his dry wit, once called her “unflappable,” a compliment that resonated deeply with her. “It made me feel like… I can get through anything,” she said, though she admitted she does get flappable when pushed.

This quality has undoubtedly helped Hines navigate the complexities of her new life in Washington, D.C., balancing the demands of public life with personal growth and learning.

Conclusion

Cheryl Hines’s courageous move from Hollywood to Washington, D.C., alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlights the challenges and rewards of embracing change. From facing fears and mixed reactions to discovering unexpected support and personal strength, her journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. If you’re inspired by Cheryl’s story of transformation and want to learn more about her experiences, be sure to check out her upcoming memoir *Unscripted* for an honest, heartfelt look at life’s unpredictable path.

Ready to dive deeper into Cheryl Hines’s remarkable journey? Stay tuned for *Unscripted* and follow her evolving story as she continues to navigate the crossroads of entertainment and politics.