RFK Jr. is a well-known American environmental lawyer, author, and activist from the famous Kennedy family. Born Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C., he is the son of former U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
He started his career fighting pollution as a prosecutor for Riverkeeper. Later he became known for his work on vaccine safety and public health issues. In 2024 he ran for president as an independent before endorsing Donald Trump. He now serves as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Trump administration.
RFK Jr. married actress Cheryl Hines in 2014. He has six children from two previous marriages. At 72 years old, he continues to speak out on health, environment, and government topics with his strong opinions.
RFK Jr. Wiki / Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. |
| Birth | January 17, 1954, Washington, D.C., USA |
| Age | 72 years (as of 2026) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | Around 170-180 lbs (77-82 kg) |
| Wife | Cheryl Hines (married 2014) |
| Occupation | Environmental lawyer, author, activist, politician, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services |
| Education | Harvard University (BA), University of Virginia (JD), Pace University (LLM in Environmental Law) |
| Career Highlights | Riverkeeper chief attorney, Children’s Health Defense founder, 2024 presidential run, HHS Secretary |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million (including wife’s assets) |
| Wealth Sources | Family inheritance, legal work, books, speaking, real estate, wife’s acting income |
| Administration Service | U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2025–) |
| Notable Skills | Environmental litigation, public speaking, writing, advocacy |
| Family | Wife Cheryl Hines; six children (Bobby III, Kick, Conor, Kyra, Finn, Aidan); stepdaughter Catherine; parents Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy |
| Social Presence | Limited personal social media; appears in interviews, podcasts, and public events |
RFK Jr. Real Name
RFK Jr. is the common short name for Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. He was born with this full name in the prominent Kennedy family. Most people know him as RFK Jr. or Bobby Kennedy Jr.
The name carries the weight of his famous father and uncle. He uses it proudly in his legal and public work. It helps people connect him to the Kennedy legacy of public service.
RFK Jr. Early Life and Education
RFK Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C. He grew up as the third of eleven children in a busy political household. His father served as Attorney General and Senator.
Life changed when his uncle John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 and his father in 1968. These events affected the family deeply. Young Bobby faced personal struggles including drug issues during his teens.
He attended boarding schools and later studied at Harvard University, earning a bachelor’s degree in American history and literature in 1976. He went on to the University of Virginia School of Law for his law degree and earned a master’s in environmental law from Pace University.
Those years built his interest in law and protecting the environment.
RFK Jr. Parents and Siblings
RFK Jr. grew up with strong parents. His father, Robert F. Kennedy, was a U.S. Senator and Attorney General. His mother, Ethel Kennedy, came from a wealthy family and later founded a human rights organization.
He is one of eleven children. His siblings include Kathleen, Joseph II, David (deceased), Courtney, Michael (deceased), Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory. The large family shared homes in Virginia and Cape Cod.
Family tragedies shaped their lives. RFK Jr. often speaks about the influence of his parents’ values of service and justice.
RFK Jr. Wife and Girlfriend
RFK Jr. married actress Cheryl Hines on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy Compound in Cape Cod. Cheryl is known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm. They met through her co-star Larry David and began dating around 2011.
Their marriage has lasted more than ten years. Cheryl supports family life while keeping her acting career. RFK Jr. values her partnership and humor.
He was previously married to Emily Black from 1982 to 1994 and to Mary Richardson Kennedy from 1994 until her death in 2012. He keeps many personal details private but speaks warmly about his current wife.
RFK Jr. Children
RFK Jr. has six children from his first two marriages. With Emily Black he had Robert “Bobby” Kennedy III and Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy.
With Mary Richardson Kennedy he welcomed Conor, Kyra, William “Finn”, and Aidan. Mary passed away in 2012. The family faced challenges during those years.
He is also a stepfather to Cheryl Hines’ daughter, Catherine. RFK Jr. tries to support all the children while protecting their privacy. Fatherhood remains important to him.
RFK Jr. Age, Weight, Height, and Physical Appearance
RFK Jr. was born on January 17, 1954. He is 72 years old in 2026. He stays active despite his busy schedule.
He stands about 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight stays around 170 to 180 pounds (77-82 kg). He has a lean build and often appears with graying hair.
His look includes a friendly smile and expressive face during talks. Age brings wisdom that shows in his public speaking.
RFK Jr. Before Fame
RFK Jr. lived in the shadow of his famous family before building his own path. After college he worked as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.
He faced personal challenges including drug issues in his youth. Community service and treatment helped him turn things around. He began volunteering with environmental groups during probation.
Those early experiences led him to focus on clean water and pollution cases. He paid his dues in law before gaining wider notice through Riverkeeper work.
RFK Jr. Career
RFK Jr. started as an environmental lawyer in the 1980s. He served as chief prosecuting attorney for Riverkeeper and worked with the Natural Resources Defense Council.
He founded the Children’s Health Defense organization and wrote books on health and environment topics. In 2024 he ran for president as an independent.
He later endorsed Donald Trump and was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2025. His career mixes legal work, activism, writing, and public service.
RFK Jr. Social Media Presence
RFK Jr. keeps a thoughtful online presence. He shares views through interviews, podcasts, and occasional posts. He avoids heavy daily personal sharing.
Fans follow him for updates on health and policy topics. Clips from his speeches and appearances spread widely. His wife Cheryl sometimes appears with him in public settings.
He prefers letting his work and words reach people directly.
RFK Jr. Net Worth and Achievements
RFK Jr. has an estimated net worth of about $15 million, including assets with his wife. Wealth comes from family inheritance, legal career, books, speaking, and real estate.
Achievements include years of environmental litigation and raising awareness on health issues. He served as HHS Secretary and ran for president. His work brought attention to water protection and public health debates.
He built a career through advocacy and public service.
RFK Jr. Legacy and Impact
RFK Jr. leaves a mark through his environmental and health advocacy. He inspired many to question government policies and focus on clean living.
His Kennedy family name brings extra attention to his causes. Supporters admire his willingness to speak openly. Critics debate some of his views.
His journey shows how one person from a famous family can chart an independent path.
RFK Jr. Nationality and Religion
RFK Jr. is American by nationality. He was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up with deep ties to U.S. politics and public service.
He was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, common in the Kennedy family. Faith influences his values though he speaks more about science and policy in public.
His identity blends family heritage with personal beliefs.
RFK Jr. Future Plan and Goals
RFK Jr. focuses on his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services. He aims to improve public health policies and address concerns he has raised for years.
Family time stays important as his children grow. He may continue writing and speaking on key issues. Balance between work and home guides his choices.
His goals center on making a positive difference in health and government.
RFK Jr. Wife Stats
- Name: Cheryl Hines
- Profession: Actress known for Curb Your Enthusiasm
- Marriage Year: 2014
- Children: No children together; stepmother to RFK Jr.’s six and has one daughter from previous marriage
- Support Role: Attends public events and supports family life
- Background: Brought acting income and shared assets to the marriage
RFK Jr. Hobbies
- Spending time outdoors and with family
- Reading and writing books
- Advocating for environmental causes
- Enjoying time at the Kennedy Compound
- Engaging in public discussions
- Simple daily routines at home
RFK Jr. Favorite Things
- Favorite cause: Clean water and public health
- Favorite role: Father and public servant
- Favorite place: Family homes in Massachusetts and Virginia
- Favorite activity: Speaking on important issues
- Favorite value: Truth and justice
- Favorite memory: Family gatherings
RFK Jr. Interesting Facts
- He is one of eleven children in his family.
- He worked as a prosecutor for Riverkeeper on pollution cases.
- He ran for president in 2024 as an independent.
- His second wife Mary Richardson Kennedy passed away in 2012.
- He serves as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- He has spoken openly about personal struggles in his youth.
- He married actress Cheryl Hines in 2014.
FAQs
1. How old is RFK Jr. and where was he born?
RFK Jr. is 72 years old. He was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C. He grew up as part of the large Kennedy family.
2. Who is RFK Jr.’s wife and when did they marry?
His wife is actress Cheryl Hines. They married in 2014 after dating for a few years. She is known for her role on Curb Your Enthusiasm.
3. How many children does RFK Jr. have?
RFK Jr. has six children from his first two marriages. He is also a stepfather to Cheryl Hines’ daughter. The family blends children from previous relationships.
4. What is RFK Jr.’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at around 15 million dollars, including assets with his wife. It comes from family inheritance, legal work, books, and real estate.
5. What is RFK Jr. best known for?
He is known for environmental law work, founding Children’s Health Defense, and his role as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. He also ran for president in 2024.
Conclusion
RFK Jr. comes from one of America’s most famous families yet built his own path through law and activism. From fighting river pollution to leading health policy, he speaks with passion on topics he cares about. Married to Cheryl Hines since 2014, he values family while serving in a high government role.
At 72 he continues to influence discussions on health and environment. His story mixes Kennedy legacy with personal determination. Fans and critics alike watch his work closely.
RFK Jr. shows how public service can take many forms. He remains committed to his beliefs and family. More chapters in his journey are still unfolding.
