From Portugal to primetime, Ruah’s story is one of global stardom, family, and fierce dedication.
Daniela Ruah is best known to millions as the fierce and fearless Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles. But beyond the badge and tactical gear lies a woman with a remarkable career, a grounded personal life, and a clear sense of identity—one that spans continents and cultures. With nearly 15 years on one of CBS’s most successful crime dramas, Ruah has earned her place among TV’s elite while remaining a proud ambassador of her Portuguese roots.
💰 What Is Daniela Ruah’s Net Worth?
Thanks to her longevity on NCIS: Los Angeles and an expanding portfolio of creative projects, Daniela Ruah’s net worth is estimated at $7 million (per Celebrity Net Worth). As one of the series’ original cast members, she reportedly earned around $100,000 per episode (via Looper), a figure reflective of her central role and the show’s long-standing success.
In total, Ruah appeared in 323 episodes of NCIS: LA from 2009 to 2023, becoming one of the most enduring and beloved figures in the NCIS franchise. Even after Kensi’s on-screen journey concluded, Ruah returned to direct two episodes—further showcasing her behind-the-camera talents.
🎬 Life Beyond Kensi Blye
Ruah’s resume extends far beyond the halls of NCIS. She made her U.S. film debut in George Lucas’s Red Tails and lent her voice to Merida in the Portuguese-language version of Disney Pixar’s Brave. These roles demonstrate her international appeal and linguistic versatility—she is fluent in both English and Portuguese.
Her acting journey, however, began long before Hollywood. Born December 2, 1983, in Boston and raised in Portugal, Ruah started her career in Portuguese television as a teen, appearing in several hit telenovelas. Her early years in Lisbon laid the foundation for her expressive range and natural screen presence.
👑 From Reality TV to Eurovision Royalty
In 2006, Ruah took Portugal by storm when she won the country’s version of Dancing with the Stars (Dança Comigo), proving she could dominate a dance floor as easily as a crime scene. In 2018, she co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon—a prestigious role that introduced her to a global audience and showcased her charisma, poise, and bilingual prowess.
👨👩👧👦 Family First: Love and Life with the Olsens
Daniela Ruah’s off-screen life is just as compelling. She is married to David Paul Olsen, a stuntman and brother of her NCIS co-star Eric Christian Olsen. Their love story, which began on the set of NCIS: LA, is one fans adore. Together, the couple shares two children and maintains a relatively private, drama-free life—proof that Hollywood romance doesn’t have to be messy.
Their family dynamic is one of mutual support, blending a shared passion for entertainment with a strong sense of home and parenting. While many stars struggle to juggle career and family, Ruah appears to do it with grace and authenticity.
📏 How Tall Is Daniela Ruah?
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm), Ruah’s commanding height has only enhanced her on-screen presence. Whether kicking down doors as Kensi or walking a red carpet, she carries herself with elegance and confidence. Combined with her athleticism and dedication to wellness, her look has remained consistent across decades in an industry known for rapid change.
🌍 Rooted in Heritage, Rising Internationally
Despite her global fame, Ruah has remained deeply connected to her Portuguese roots. She often returns to work in Portuguese productions and has expressed a strong desire to uplift her home country’s entertainment industry. Her early success in Portugal gave her the experience and resilience needed to thrive abroad—and she hasn’t forgotten where it all started.
Ruah’s multicultural upbringing, fluency in multiple languages, and international projects have positioned her as a rare cross-cultural figure in today’s entertainment world—bridging the Atlantic with ease.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Ruah has been honored throughout her career, including:
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Golden Globe (Portugal): Newcomer of the Year
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TV Action Icon Award (2011): Celebrity & Stuntwomen’s Awards
She also made crossover appearances in NCIS (2009) and Hawaii Five-0 (2011), expanding her footprint in the CBS procedural universe.
🌟 The Bottom Line
At 40 years old, Daniela Ruah is more than just the face of Kensi Blye—she’s a global actress, a director, a devoted mother, and a role model. Whether she’s acting, hosting, or spending time with her family, Ruah continues to inspire with her professionalism, warmth, and undeniable talent.
With her career still evolving and her influence expanding, one thing is clear: Daniela Ruah is just getting started.
