Tig Notaro, the acclaimed comedian, has spoken candidly about the unraveling of her friendship with actress Cheryl Hines, largely attributed to the political activities of Hines’ husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Notaro shared her thoughts on the topic during her recent appearance on the podcast “MS Now: The Best People,” hosted by Nicole Wallace.
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The comedian, who is 54 years old, discussed how their podcast, “Tig and Cheryl: True Story,” which they launched in 2020, came to an end in May 2023. This conclusion coincided with the start of Kennedy’s presidential campaign, a move that generated considerable controversy and changed the dynamic between Notaro and Hines. Kennedy, now 72, initially sought the Democratic nomination but later withdrew and controversially pledged his support for Donald Trump, who subsequently appointed him as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Notaro revealed that her friendship with Hines, now 60, had its roots in the early 2000s, sparked by Hines attending one of Notaro’s stand-up performances. This encounter proved pivotal, as it led Hines to help Notaro secure her first manager. However, as Kennedy’s political aspirations intensified, Notaro felt that the once light-hearted and entertaining nature of their podcast had become difficult to maintain.
During the podcast interview, Notaro articulated her unease, explaining that the rising political tensions surrounding Kennedy made it challenging to keep their show funny and engaging. She recounted instances of audience members interrupting her stand-up acts by shouting out their opinions about Kennedy, which contributed to her decision to step back from the podcasting venture. Notaro stated, “I know it’s a small percentage that pushes back online or yells out at shows, but I was like, ‘Man, this is not my world. I don’t do this. I don’t want to be a part of this.’”
While Notaro expressed a deep affection for Hines, she recognised that their friendship was struggling under the weight of differing views. The comedian lamented that she had made numerous attempts to reach out and provide support to Hines amidst the upheaval, but gradually realised that the communication was no longer reciprocal. “I had to kind of shake myself out of denial that, ‘Oh, she’s gone,’” Notaro reflected, acknowledging her heartbreak over the changed relationship.
Expressing her frustration, Notaro mentioned that there have been interviews suggesting she was the one who severed ties, which she found particularly distressing. She described these misconceptions as a “bummer,” noting, “It’s been very strange, and I think I’ve moved past the confusion and sadness.”
Her reflections mark the latest in a series of comments regarding their friendship, which she previously described as “really sad” during an episode of the “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa” podcast. In further discussions on her show, “Handsome,” Notaro reiterated the importance of Hines in her life, noting that she had been a “really important person” and a source of joy during their time together.
Despite the political rift, Notaro maintained admiration for her former friend, calling Hines “one of my favourites and somebody I absolutely loved being silly with.” However, she was clear in her stance against the political views endorsed by Hines and her husband, stating, “There’s a lot of issues that I do not believe in that he is endorsing, that Cheryl is clearly endorsing.”
These insights from Notaro vividly illustrate the complications that can arise in personal relationships amid political adversity. The fallout of her friendship with Hines highlights the intricate web of personal values, public personas, and the lingering impact of political affiliations on personal ties.
As both women navigate their respective paths in a climate increasingly charged with political tensions, the changes in their friendship serve as a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal and political lives can become. With Notaro’s poignant reflections, it becomes apparent that the end of their podcast was just one facet of a larger story of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges presented by differing beliefs during tumultuous times.