Chris Pratt discussed the Health and Human Services Secretary on the latest episode of Bill Maher’s podcast.
Chris Pratt has spoken warmly about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his extended family member, during a recent appearance on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast. The actor reflected on his family ties, his experiences in Hollywood, and the challenges of navigating public perception.
Pratt, 45, is married to Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of Maria Shriver. Through her, he is connected to the Kennedy family. When the conversation turned to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pratt shared that his impression of him has been shaped not by politics, but by family interactions.
“I’ve spent a number of occasions hanging with him, just in a family dinner setting,” Pratt said. “I got along with him really well. I think he’s great. He’s funny. I like him. I love him.”
Hollywood and Politics
Pratt admitted he avoids direct political conversations with Kennedy Jr. but acknowledged how public perception often differs from private reality.
“Politics is a nasty business,” Pratt told Maher. “Hollywood has its own politics, too. I’ve seen firsthand how the person you are can be very different from the version people are told you are. And millions end up believing a narrative that might be fiction.”
He added that he has no interest in being dragged into political controversies himself. “I’m not there to defend myself or be mired in the story,” he said.
Family Ties Without Political Debates
Pratt explained that during family gatherings, he deliberately avoids asking Kennedy Jr. about his role in Donald Trump’s administration or his policies. “I’m not gonna pick his brain to find out which things are true,” he said. “I just assume most of it isn’t, and I wish him well.”
Still, Pratt acknowledged some initiatives Kennedy Jr. has supported that he sees as positive. “Getting toxic stuff out of kids’ food is a great thing,” he remarked. “If you just do that, that’s amazing.”
The actor also urged people to look beyond partisan divides. “I’d hate to be so mired in hatred for the president that any success from his administration is rejected,” he said. “Be reasonable. If something is good, support it.”
Controversy Around Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy Jr., now serving as Health and Human Services Secretary, has faced mounting criticism for his positions and actions. He has long been associated with an anti-vaccine stance and has made controversial comments about autistic people. Earlier this month, he cut $500 million in vaccine funding, a move former Surgeon General Jerome Adams warned “is going to cost lives.”
Even within the Kennedy family, there has been sharp opposition. In January, before his confirmation, Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, publicly denounced him. She accused him of promoting conspiracy theories and called him “unqualified” for the role.
“He lacks relevant government, financial, or medical experience,” she wrote in a letter to the Senate. “His views on vaccines are dangerous and misinformed. These facts alone should disqualify him. But his personal qualities make me even more concerned.”
Despite the political storm surrounding Kennedy Jr., Pratt maintained a family-first approach, making clear that his perspective comes not from politics, but from shared dinners and personal interactions.
