Former First Lady Michelle Obama reportedly intervened in the casting of Larry David's new HBO show, "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America," to prevent actress Cheryl Hines, wife of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., from appearing in the series. Sources cited by the Daily Mail suggest Obama, an executive producer on the show through her company Higher Ground, was vehemently opposed to Hines's inclusion due to her husband's political stances and her own perceived alignment with the "MAGA" movement.
Hines, who starred as Larry David's wife in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" for over two decades, was reportedly devastated by her exclusion from the new project, which premiered on June 26. Insiders claim that the prospect of Hines joining the cast caused Obama to become "absolutely ballistic," reportedly stating, "We cannot and will not have that woman on this show. She's not one of us."
According to the sources, Obama viewed Hines's association with Donald Trump and Republican allies, following her husband's shift from the Democratic Party and his independent presidential run, as a significant transgression. One insider described Obama's stance as stemming from "Trump Derangement Syndrome," asserting that the decision was based on Hines's politics rather than her acting abilities.
Despite Obama's alleged strong feelings, the sources indicate that her direct involvement in the show's production was primarily focused on casting decisions. Larry David, who also executive produces and has a guest role in the series, maintained a close personal and professional relationship with Hines for many years. However, this relationship reportedly cooled after Kennedy Jr. left the Democratic Party to run as an independent against President Joe Biden. David himself has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, having publicly supported Biden and referred to Trump with harsh language.
The report also touches on the critical reception of David's new show, with reviewers noting a perceived lack of the wit and humor that characterized "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Some critics described the series as a "lazy history lesson" with "flimsy material," and one review even suggested that "Curb Your Enthusiasm's" 2024 finale should have marked the end of David's television endeavors.
Representatives for Hines declined to comment on the report, and the Daily Mail stated that representatives for Michelle Obama were contacted for comment.