For NCIS: Los Angeles fans, Daniela Ruah will always be Kensi Blye—but the actress says the show gave her much more than an iconic role. As she prepares to debut her short film My Type at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Ruah reflects on the biggest lesson she learned during her years on the CBS drama.
“Preparation is everything,” she says. Directing episodes of NCIS: LA taught her how to manage pressure, adapt quickly, and answer every question on set.
Those skills were put to the test when her new film faced an unexpected challenge mid-shoot. Thanks to a well-prepared cast and crew, the project stayed on track—proving that NCIS: LA’s influence is still very much alive in Ruah’s work.