Comedian Tig Notaro has opened up about the end of her friendship with actress Cheryl Hines, revealing that her decision to “step away” was influenced by Hines’ husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his controversial political beliefs.
In a candid conversation on the podcast Breaking Bread With Tom Papa, Notaro spoke about how her friendship with Hines — which once included creative collaborations and genuine camaraderie — began to fade as Kennedy’s public persona and political ambitions grew stronger.
A Friendship Built on Humor and Creativity
Before politics entered the picture, Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines shared a strong personal and professional bond. The two co-hosted the podcast “Tig and Cheryl: True Story,” a comedic show where they discussed various documentaries and bantered about real-life stories.
Notaro described Hines as one of her “favorite friends to be ridiculous with,” emphasizing how much fun and creativity they shared during their time working together.
However, the tone changed once Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — known for his controversial stances on vaccines and political issues — announced his run for president. That announcement, Notaro says, forced her to rethink their friendship.
“When Bobby announced his campaign, I just felt like I needed to step away,” Notaro explained. “There were beliefs that used to feel like a gnat on the arm — something small you could ignore — but they started getting a lot louder and harder to ignore.”
The Turning Point: Kennedy’s Political Views
According to Notaro, her friendship with Hines began long before Hines married Kennedy in 2014. At the time, Kennedy was primarily known for his environmental activism and legal work — something Notaro could respect.
But over time, Kennedy’s views began to shift into more controversial territory, especially as he started sharing opinions that conflicted with mainstream science and public policy.
“He was in environmental law,” Notaro recalled, “and at first, some of his other beliefs were just little irritations. But then it started to grow, and Cheryl wanted me to hear Bobby out — to listen to his ideas. And I just couldn’t. I didn’t trust it.”
The final straw came when Kennedy endorsed former president Donald Trump, a move that pushed Notaro to completely distance herself. “That was when it got hard,” she admitted. “It wasn’t about Cheryl personally, but I couldn’t align myself with that.”
Choosing Peace Over Division
For Tig Notaro, the decision to end the friendship wasn’t one made out of anger — but rather necessity. She explained that the increasingly public and polarizing nature of Kennedy’s views created a tension that was impossible to ignore.
“I loved working with Cheryl,” she said. “She’s funny, kind, and talented. But when your friend’s partner becomes a symbol of something that goes against your values, it’s really hard to pretend it doesn’t matter.”
Notaro didn’t criticize Hines directly but made it clear that her values and comfort level had to come first. “It’s one thing when someone you know has different opinions — that’s fine. But when those opinions start affecting millions of people, it becomes something else entirely.”
Cheryl Hines’ Perspective: “Agree to Disagree”
While Notaro has chosen to step away, Cheryl Hines has mostly stayed quiet about the political dynamics surrounding her marriage. During her husband’s presidential campaign, she rarely discussed politics in public, opting instead to focus on her acting career and charitable work.
In a past interview, Hines addressed how she manages political disagreements within her marriage, saying, “One of the things I’ve learned about politics is that you’re not going to agree with somebody about everything — and that’s OK.”
She added, “We’ve learned to talk through it. Sometimes you agree to disagree, or say, ‘I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t like how you’re saying it.’ The key is to communicate and not let it tear you apart.”
A Difficult But Honest Decision
For Tig Notaro, walking away from her friendship with Hines wasn’t about judgment — it was about authenticity. The comedian, known for her deadpan humor and emotional honesty, has always been transparent about her personal life and beliefs.
“I’ve always been someone who follows my gut,” she said in past interviews. “If something feels off, I listen to that feeling. Life’s too short to stay in situations that don’t sit right with you.”
Her decision reflects a growing trend among public figures who are finding it increasingly difficult to separate personal relationships from public political identities. As social and political issues become more polarizing, friendships — even long-standing ones — can face incredible strain.
The Reality of Friendship in Polarized Times
Notaro’s experience with Hines sheds light on a universal truth — that sometimes, despite love and history, friendships can’t survive major ideological differences.
Political division has affected not only families and communities but also close relationships in the entertainment industry. What makes Notaro’s story compelling is how she handled the situation with empathy and maturity, choosing distance instead of public hostility.
It’s also worth noting that despite the rift, Notaro spoke about Hines with fondness. She didn’t criticize her former friend directly, instead emphasizing how much she valued their time together and the laughter they shared.
Looking Ahead
While Tig Notaro continues to focus on her comedy and creative projects, Cheryl Hines remains active in Hollywood and supportive of her husband’s endeavors. Whether their paths will cross again remains uncertain, but both seem to have found peace in their decisions.
The story of Notaro and Hines is a reminder that even in close friendships, boundaries and beliefs matter. It also highlights how public figures often face additional challenges balancing personal loyalty with public responsibility.
In the end, Tig Notaro’s choice to step back wasn’t about division — it was about integrity. Her decision reflects the strength to stay true to oneself, even when it means letting go of something dear.