On-screen, NCIS: Los Angeles fans know Daniela Ruah as Special Agent Kensi Blye, who shares a long-running romance with Marty Deeks, played by Eric Christian Olsen. But behind the scenes, Ruah’s real-life love story is even more surprising—and it’s one that connects her deeply to her NCIS: LA family.
In a twist straight out of Hollywood, Ruah is married not to her co-star, but to Eric’s older brother, David Paul Olsen—who also happens to be Eric’s stunt double on the show.
A Match Made on Set
Eric Christian Olsen played a crucial role in bringing the two together. During an appearance on The Queen Latifah Show in 2014, he opened up about how he orchestrated the budding romance between Daniela and his brother.
According to Eric, both Daniela and David were in unhappy relationships at the time. “They weren’t themselves,” he shared. Knowing the kind of people they truly were—kind, genuine, and full of life—Eric took it upon himself to play matchmaker. “I’d say something nice about her to him, and then say something about him to her,” he recalled. “That was enough to get them talking. The rest just clicked.”
David began working as a stunt performer on NCIS: LA, which gave the pair more opportunities to connect on set—and before long, their relationship blossomed.
From Engagement to Parenthood
By the time of Eric’s interview in 2014, Daniela and David had already welcomed their first child, a son named River Isaac. “Now two of my favorite people just had a third,” Eric said proudly.
River was born in January 2014. In a statement to People, Daniela gushed, “We are so happy, so thankful, and feel so blessed to have brought him into the world.” She later told the magazine that becoming a mother was an experience like no other. “It’s amazing how in love you can be with this little person you’ve only seen on a black and white screen,” she said, referring to her pregnancy ultrasounds.
A Meaningful Wedding Ceremony
Just months after River’s birth, Daniela and David tied the knot in June 2014. “Just lived the best week of my life; I married my best friend,” Ruah tweeted. “Our son was with us. We were surrounded by our favorite people in the whole world. Unforgettable.”
Their wedding was a beautiful interfaith ceremony that honored both of their backgrounds—Daniela is Jewish, and David is Lutheran. Speaking to 18Doors, Daniela shared that both of their fathers officiated the wedding. Dave’s father is ordained, while her father helped lead the Jewish elements, including a chuppah, a glass-breaking tradition, and a Kiddush wine ceremony.
A Growing Family
In September 2016, the couple welcomed their second child, daughter Sierra Esther. With her usual wit, Daniela joked on Instagram: “Apparently, she thought Labor Day weekend meant LABOR day weekend!” Sierra arrived three weeks early, adding another joyful milestone to the Ruah-Olsen household.
A Love Story That’s Both Personal and Professional
Daniela Ruah’s romance with David Paul Olsen is one of the most unexpected—and heartwarming—stories to come out of the NCIS: LA universe. From on-set introductions to a full life shared off-screen, the couple has built a beautiful family while remaining deeply connected to the show that brought them together.
Their story is a rare and touching example of art, family, and real-life love intertwining—and fans can’t get enough of it.
