For over a decade, NCIS: Los Angeles wasn’t just another TV show—it was a global phenomenon. And at the heart of it stood Daniela Ruah, the fierce, smart, and emotionally complex Kensi Blye.
Now, years after the final episode aired, Ruah is opening up about the biggest lesson she carried with her from the long-running CBS drama—and it’s not what most fans expect.
So what did NCIS: LA really teach her? Let’s dive in.
Daniela Ruah and the Legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles
When NCIS: LA premiered in 2009, few could predict it would become one of CBS’s most successful franchises. Over 14 seasons, the show blended action, loyalty, and emotional storytelling—and Daniela Ruah grew alongside it.
For Ruah, NCIS: LA wasn’t just a job. It was a classroom, a testing ground, and sometimes, a mirror reflecting her own growth.
Who Is Daniela Ruah Beyond Kensi Blye?
Before diving into the lesson itself, it helps to understand the woman behind the badge.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Born in Boston and raised partly in Portugal, Daniela Ruah brought international flair and emotional depth to Hollywood. But it was Kensi Blye that transformed her career.
Why Kensi Blye Became a Fan Favorite
Kensi wasn’t just tough—she was vulnerable. She made mistakes. She loved deeply. And audiences saw themselves in her. That connection played a major role in Ruah’s personal takeaway from the series.
The Biggest Lesson Daniela Ruah Took From NCIS: LA
So, what’s the lesson?
👉 Resilience through collaboration.
Not grit alone. Not talent alone. But learning how to lean on others while standing strong yourself.
Why Resilience Became the Core Lesson
Over 14 seasons, Ruah faced:
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Grueling shooting schedules
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High-risk stunt work
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Emotional story arcs
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Personal life changes off-screen
What carried her through wasn’t just discipline—it was teamwork.
Television Is a Team Sport
Ruah has emphasized that NCIS: LA taught her how powerful collaboration can be. Every scene worked because everyone showed up—from lighting crews to writers to co-stars.
Think of it like a relay race. No one wins alone.
Working Alongside LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell
Chemistry That Can’t Be Faked
Sharing the screen with veterans like LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell helped shape Ruah’s understanding of longevity in Hollywood.
Learning by Watching, Not Competing
Rather than trying to outshine her co-stars, Ruah absorbed their professionalism. The lesson?
Consistency beats ego every time.
How NCIS: LA Changed Daniela Ruah as a Person
From Independence to Interdependence
Early in her career, Ruah admits she believed strength meant doing everything alone. NCIS: LA flipped that belief on its head.
Strength, she learned, is knowing when to ask for help.
The Emotional Toll of Long-Running TV Shows
Fourteen seasons isn’t just a commitment—it’s a lifestyle.
Saying Goodbye Wasn’t Easy
When the series ended, Ruah described the experience as bittersweet. The show had become part of her identity.
Ending it felt like graduating from a school you never wanted to leave.
Lessons From Playing a Strong Female Character
Redefining Strength on Television
Kensi Blye wasn’t strong because she never cried. She was strong because she did—and kept going.
That lesson carried into Ruah’s real life, especially as she navigated motherhood and career balance.
How Daniela Ruah Applies the Lesson Today
Directing, Producing, and Leading
Post-NCIS: LA, Ruah has stepped behind the camera, taking on directing roles. The lesson of collaboration now guides her leadership style.
She listens more. She trusts more. And she empowers others.
NCIS: LA’s Impact on Modern Crime Dramas
Why the Show Still Matters
NCIS: LA helped redefine what a procedural could be—emotional, character-driven, and human.
That environment is exactly where Ruah learned her most valuable lesson.
What Fans Can Learn From Daniela Ruah’s Experience
Here’s the takeaway for all of us:
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You don’t have to do everything alone
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Long journeys require strong teams
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Growth happens when ego steps aside
It’s a lesson that applies far beyond Hollywood.
Why This Lesson Resonates More Than Ever
In a world obsessed with hustle culture, Ruah’s message feels refreshing.
You can be ambitious and supported.
You can be strong and vulnerable.
Daniela Ruah’s Career After NCIS: LA
What’s Next?
While Ruah keeps future projects close to the vest, one thing is clear—she’s moving forward with intention, not pressure.
And that lesson? It’s coming with her.
The Enduring Power of NCIS: Los Angeles
Even after its finale, NCIS: LA continues to shape careers, fans, and conversations.
For Daniela Ruah, it left behind something even more valuable than fame—a philosophy for life.
Conclusion: A Lesson Bigger Than Television
Daniela Ruah’s biggest lesson from NCIS: Los Angeles wasn’t about acting, fame, or ratings. It was about human connection.
Fourteen seasons taught her that resilience isn’t built alone—it’s forged together.
And maybe that’s why the show still matters. Because beneath the action and drama, it told a very human story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What role did Daniela Ruah play on NCIS: LA?
She portrayed Special Agent Kensi Blye, one of the show’s most beloved characters.
2. How long was NCIS: Los Angeles on air?
The series ran for 14 seasons, from 2009 to 2023.
3. What lesson did Daniela Ruah say she learned from the show?
She highlighted resilience through collaboration as the biggest lesson.
4. Did Daniela Ruah direct episodes of NCIS: LA?
Yes, she later stepped into directing roles, applying lessons learned on set.
5. Is Daniela Ruah working on new projects after NCIS: LA?
While details are limited, she remains active in acting and directing.