As the new year approaches, NCIS: Los Angeles alum Daniela Ruah is marking a double celebration — not only welcoming 2025, but also commemorating her 41st birthday with gratitude, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.
It’s been a transitional chapter for the Portuguese-American star. Just over a year has passed since she bid farewell to her beloved character, Kensi Blye, following NCIS: LA‘s cancellation after an impressive 14-season run. The change has ushered in a quieter, more introspective period — something Daniela seems ready to embrace.
To honor her special day, the actress took to Instagram, sharing a serene photo of herself walking along the beach, followed by an exuberant midair jump. Her caption struck a heartfelt, empowering tone:
“This is happy. This is fulfilled. This is still growing. This is learning. This is making mistakes.
This is still jumping for joy. This is loving. This is guiding. This is being guided.
This is talking. This is listening. This is still figuring out parts of myself.
This is evolving. This is mothering. This is wifing.
This is 41.”
Fans flooded the comments with love and admiration.
“Happy Birthday to a great actor & director… and to an even greater person,” one wrote.
Another added: “Happiest 41st birthday, Dani. Still admire your endless talent.”
A Decade of Marriage & A Close-Knit Family
Daniela, who celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary this year, has been married to stunt performer David Paul Olsen since 2014. The couple share two children — River, turning 11 this month, and Sierra, now eight.
Their love story began thanks to a little matchmaking from David’s brother, Eric Christian Olsen, Daniela’s longtime co-star.
Back in 2014, Eric explained on The Queen Latifah Show:
“I’d say something nice about her to him, and something nice about him to her.
That was enough to get them talking — and it became this wonderful relationship.”
Life After NCIS: LA
Though the flagship series ended in May of last year, Daniela hasn’t strayed far from the NCIS world. She’s stepped behind the camera to direct episodes of both NCIS and NCIS: Hawai‘i, continuing her connection to the franchise in a powerful new way.
She’s also kept active in international projects, including the Portuguese mini-series A Espia (The Spy), which originally premiered in 2020.
Looking Ahead
At 41, Daniela Ruah is embracing a new era — one defined by balance, creativity, and self-discovery. And if her birthday reflection is any indication, she’s stepping into this next chapter with clarity, gratitude, and an unwavering sense of joy.
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