The Agent, the Artist, the Heart of the Squad
There are stars, and then there are storytellers. Daniela Ruah is both.
For 14 seasons, she graced our screens as Special Agent Kensi Blye in NCIS: Los Angeles, capturing hearts with a blend of fierce determination and deep compassion. But beyond the badge, the sniper rifle, and her complex on-screen romance with Deeks, lies a woman of depth, creativity, and undeniable charisma.
In this edition of Folks We Love, we shine a light on the woman behind the agent—and why Daniela Ruah continues to inspire fans around the world.
🧭 A Life Between Worlds
Born in Boston to Portuguese parents and raised in Lisbon, Daniela Ruah bridges cultures as effortlessly as she slips into a scene. Fluent in both English and Portuguese, she began acting in Portugal as a teen, long before she became a household name in the U.S.
Whether hosting Eurovision in Lisbon or directing episodes of NCIS: LA in LA, Daniela has proven one thing over and over again—she doesn’t just belong in one world, she thrives in many.
🎬 From Kensi to Behind the Camera
While most viewers know her as the tough-yet-vulnerable Kensi, true fans have watched Ruah evolve into a powerhouse behind the scenes.
She directed multiple episodes of NCIS: LA, including some of the show’s most emotionally resonant chapters. Her work behind the camera has only grown since the series ended, with reports of her developing original projects in both Hollywood and Portugal.
She’s not just telling stories—she’s building them from the ground up.
❤️ Family First
Off-screen, Daniela’s life is beautifully grounded. She’s married to David Paul Olsen, stuntman and the brother of her longtime co-star Eric Christian Olsen. Together, they’re raising two children—far from the danger and drama of Kensi’s world, but with just as much adventure.
Ruah often speaks about the importance of family, balance, and finding time to connect with her roots—even while managing a demanding career. Whether she’s spending time in Portugal or advocating for Portuguese talent on the global stage, she never forgets where she came from.
✨ Style, Strength, Substance
What makes Daniela Ruah truly lovable isn’t just her talent—it’s her authenticity. She brings the same integrity to her roles that she does to her personal life. She’s outspoken about what matters: representation, cultural identity, mental health, and the importance of telling stories that matter.
And yes—her red carpet looks always turn heads. But it’s her presence that turns hearts.
💬 What the Fans Say
“She’s the reason I watched NCIS: LA all the way through.”
“More than just an actress—she’s a role model.”
“She made Kensi unforgettable, and now she’s making her mark in new ways.”
From Reddit threads to Instagram fan pages, the admiration for Daniela Ruah is global—and growing.
💡 What’s Next?
There’s buzz about a Netflix thriller. A Portuguese-American miniseries is reportedly in early development. And rumors swirl that she may return to primetime in a high-profile international cop drama. Whatever she chooses, one thing is certain: Daniela Ruah is a storyteller for the next chapter.
🎤 Final Word
Daniela Ruah has shown us how to chase dreams, honor your roots, and stay true to your craft. Whether she’s solving crimes in fictional LA, directing on set, or making dinner for her kids—she does it all with a quiet kind of brilliance that sticks with you.
And that’s why, Daniela Ruah…
You’re one of the Folks We Love.
