When you think of NCIS: Los Angeles, you likely picture the unshakable partnership between Special Agents Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks—played by Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen. Their chemistry became one of the show’s emotional cornerstones for over a decade. But off-screen, the deeper story isn’t just about co-stars—it’s about family.
What many fans may not realize is that Daniela’s real-life family connection to the show runs even deeper: she’s married to David Paul Olsen, Eric’s brother and longtime stunt double. That makes Kensi and Deeks family in real life, too—but it also makes Sarah Wright Olsen, Eric’s wife, Daniela’s sister-in-law.
And what began as casual family connection quickly evolved into a heartfelt friendship between two women with shared lives, shared values, and a shared love for family.
A Friendship Born on Set—but Rooted in Family
Daniela and Sarah first met thanks to their husbands’ close working relationship on NCIS: LA. David often doubled for Eric in action scenes, meaning the two brothers were constantly working together. That overlap naturally extended into their personal lives—and so Daniela and Sarah became fast friends.
“It was instant,” a source close to the cast reveals. “There’s a really grounded, effortless energy between them. They’re both creative, family-oriented, and extremely down-to-earth. It wasn’t just about their husbands—it was about the connection they built as women.”
The Olsen-Ruah Family Circle
Sarah, an actress and wellness entrepreneur known for her work in comedies and her popular blog “Your Zen Mama,” often shares glimpses of her family life on Instagram—occasionally featuring snaps with Daniela and her kids. The two families are often spotted together at birthday parties, beach outings, and cozy backyard dinners in California.
Daniela, meanwhile, has been equally vocal about her love for family and how being part of the Olsen clan has shaped her personal and professional life.
In one interview, Daniela joked, “I married into the stunt double family, and suddenly had a built-in sister and co-pilot in this crazy life.”
Real Support, Not Just Selfies
Beyond cute photos and red carpet appearances, Sarah and Daniela have supported each other through everything—from pregnancies and parenting to career transitions and the end of NCIS: LA. When the series wrapped in 2023 after 14 seasons, both women reflected on the journey with heartfelt tributes.
Sarah wrote on Instagram:
“Proud doesn’t even begin to cover how I feel about this woman. Watching her grow, direct, act, and raise a beautiful family through it all—Daniela, you are pure light.”
Daniela echoed that sentiment in a separate post, saying,
“Sarah is strength, soul, and sunshine. I’m so lucky to have her not just as a sister-in-law but as a true friend.”
Sisters in Life, Not Just in Law
While Hollywood friendships can be fleeting, the relationship between Daniela and Sarah feels built to last. They’ve woven their lives together not just through marriage, but through shared experience—raising children, juggling work-life balance, and leaning on each other in a fast-paced industry.
As Daniela moves on to direct and produce, and Sarah continues to expand her lifestyle brand and acting projects, both women remain tethered to one another by more than just familial ties.
They’re sisters-in-law, yes—but more importantly, they’re sisters in spirit.
