The Deeks actor avoided awkwardness with professionalism — and a little help from family ties
For 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles captivated audiences with its high-stakes missions, action-packed drama, and unforgettable character dynamics. But behind the scenes, one of the show’s most iconic romances came with an unexpected real-life twist: Eric Christian Olsen, who played LAPD liaison Marty Deeks, was acting opposite his real-life sister-in-law, Daniela Ruah.
That’s right — Deeks and Kensi’s steamy on-screen chemistry was all in a day’s work for the pair, who happen to be family off-screen. In 2014, Daniela Ruah married Eric’s brother, David Paul Olsen, a stunt performer on NCIS: LA who often doubled for Eric during action scenes. The unique dynamic left many fans wondering: was it awkward to play romantic partners while being in-laws?
In a 2014 interview on The Queen Latifah Show, Daniela addressed the elephant in the room with surprising candor and class. “The obvious answer would be ‘yes,’” she said with a laugh. “But at the same time, we’re so invested in our characters and we’re so interested that the audience — who has been following these characters — is happy with what’s happening on the show. We’re kind of trying to stay faithful to that more than anything else.”
It also helped that their real-life spouses understood the business. “Dave is in the business, and Eric’s wife is an actress too — she gets it,” Daniela explained. “Everybody knows what that feels like.” That shared understanding, paired with the actors’ professionalism, allowed them to commit fully to their roles without letting family dynamics interfere.
The duo’s seamless on-screen connection ultimately became a cornerstone of the series, with Deeks and Kensi’s evolving partnership — both in the field and in their marriage — earning a loyal fanbase.
When CBS announced that NCIS: Los Angeles would conclude after its 14th season, fans were heartbroken. Amy Reisenbach, President of CBS Entertainment, praised the show’s legacy in a statement: “From Day 1, the cast, producers, and crew were amazing partners, and their teamwork, talent, and spirit vividly came through on the screen.”
Eric marked the end of an era by posting a moody behind-the-scenes image of one of his co-stars walking through a tunnel, captioned simply: “What a spectacular journey we all shared.”
Daniela echoed the sentiment in a heartfelt message to fans. “So many feelings to process and too many words to say,” she wrote. “I will save them for a later date… I’m so so grateful to have been a part of this NCISLA family.”
Despite the unusual family connection, Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah proved that respect, professionalism, and a strong sense of story can turn even the most unexpected circumstances into one of TV’s most beloved on-screen love stories.
