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Larry David Takes Aim at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in HBO Comedy Sketch
In a recent episode of his HBO series, Larry David appears to take a pointed jab at Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through a vaccine-themed comedy sketch that questions the health secretary’s scientific expertise.
The show, titled Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America, debuted last month. In one notable segment, David portrays the mother of Jonas Salk, the pioneering scientist behind the first successful polio vaccine.
Within the sketch, a character named Bobby-marked by a raspy voice and deep tan-delivers alarmist claims that the vaccine will “kill people” and cause heart attacks, clearly echoing Kennedy’s well-known anti-vaccine rhetoric. David’s character swiftly fires back: “Drop dead, Bobby.
You should die a dog’s death. You don’t know anything about science, you’re not a doctor.”
The exchange intensifies as David’s character warns about the dangers of Bobby holding any position of power. “If you were in charge, God help us all! If some idiot, some moron, ever put you in charge, that would be a dark day for humanity,” she declares.
Although the sketch never explicitly names Kennedy, the vocal and thematic cues strongly suggest he is the intended target.
Kennedy, who was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in February 2025, has stirred controversy due to his history of vaccine skepticism and promotion of claims at odds with public health consensus. His appointment by former President Donald Trump drew significant criticism.
David and Kennedy share a personal connection as well. The Seinfeld co-creator is credited with introducing Kennedy to actor Cheryl Hines, who later became Kennedy’s wife in 2014.
Hines, who starred alongside David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, has noted that politics strained the relationship between the two men. “I think he’s mad Bobby’s in the administration,” she told NewsNation last December.
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell also commented on the dynamic, calling David’s role in uniting Kennedy and Hines “wild” and suggesting it might be a decision David regrets.
This sketch stands out as one of David’s most direct critiques of Kennedy and his role within the Trump administration. While David has been an outspoken critic of Trump, Hines continues to support Kennedy despite some political disagreements.
Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness airs Fridays on HBO.