“He introduced us because he knew… he just knew we were meant to find each other.”
— Daniela Ruah on Eric Christian Olsen’s matchmaking skills
In a town filled with whirlwind romances and headline-making breakups, Daniela Ruah’s love story is a rare Hollywood gem. Best known for playing Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, Ruah captured the hearts of viewers with her fierce yet vulnerable performance. But off-screen, her real-life romance is just as captivating—and more surprising than most fans could imagine.
🎬 A Love Born on Set
While Ruah’s chemistry with Eric Christian Olsen, who plays her on-screen husband Marty Deeks, became a fan-favorite romance on NCIS: LA, the sparks were always platonic between the actors. What fans didn’t expect was that Ruah would fall in love with Eric’s real-life brother—and now husband—David Paul Olsen.
A former Navy SEAL-turned-stuntman, David worked on the show as Eric’s stunt double. The brotherly bond off-screen quickly turned into a matchmaking opportunity. According to Ruah, Eric had a “gut feeling” that Ruah and David were a perfect match.
“Eric played matchmaker, and honestly? He nailed it,” Ruah shared. “We hit it off immediately. Kindness, humor, loyalty—it was all there.”
💍 A Marriage Built on Faith and Family
In 2014, Ruah and David married in a stunning interfaith ceremony in Portugal, a country close to the actress’s heart. Ruah, who is of Portuguese and Jewish descent, and David, a Norwegian-American, embraced their cultural backgrounds and blended them seamlessly into a celebration that reflected their values and deep respect for each other’s traditions.
Together, they’ve built a home filled with love, laughter, and two beautiful children—River Isaac and Sierra Esther. Ruah has often spoken about the importance of raising her children with both cultural awareness and emotional grounding.
“We want our kids to feel rooted in who they are,” she said. “We celebrate both sides of our heritage—and that brings us even closer as a family.”
🎥 On Set and In Sync
Working in the same industry—and sometimes on the same set—might be tricky for some couples. But for Ruah and David, it’s a gift. As a stunt coordinator and performer, David has doubled not just for his brother Eric, but also for scenes involving his own wife. That dynamic has given the couple more shared time than most working actors enjoy.
Ruah often expresses gratitude for the unique way their careers intertwine: “It’s not just that we work together—it’s that we understand each other’s world. That’s rare.”
👨👩👧👦 A Brother, A Matchmaker, A Friend
Eric Christian Olsen didn’t just play Deeks—he played cupid. And he wears the title proudly. In interviews, Eric has lovingly joked about being the “third wheel” in their relationship, but it’s clear that the connection between the three is deeper than a storyline.
Their close-knit bond has remained strong through years of filming and family life. Behind the scenes, the trio is known for their banter, laughter, and mutual admiration—traits that have only added to their fans’ adoration.
“Eric brought us together, and now we’re all family,” Ruah said with a smile. “He’s our anchor in more ways than one.”
🌟 A Real-Life Romance Fans Can’t Get Enough Of
In an industry often filled with tabloid drama, Ruah and David’s love story is refreshingly authentic. Fans have embraced not only her portrayal of Kensi, but her real-life role as a devoted wife and mother. Social media frequently lights up with praise for the couple’s grounded lifestyle, cultural pride, and mutual respect.
Whether sharing behind-the-scenes photos or celebrating their children’s milestones, the couple keeps things down-to-earth, yet inspiring.
✨ Love That Lasts
Daniela Ruah’s journey—from the high-stakes world of NCIS: LA to building a loving family with the man introduced to her by fate (and a helpful brother-in-law)—is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a story that feels both intimate and cinematic, grounded in shared values and the kind of connection that defies the odds.
As Ruah looks toward the next chapter of her life beyond NCIS: LA, one thing is certain: her greatest role may not be on television, but in the life she’s built with David Paul Olsen.
“True love,” she once said, “is about finding someone who sees all of you—and still chooses you every single day.”
