The Kensi Blye actress built a multi-million dollar fortune — and it’s still growing.
With her intense stare, tactical confidence, and emotional depth, Daniela Ruah made Kensi Blye one of the most beloved agents in the NCIS franchise. For 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles delivered pulse-pounding missions and team camaraderie — but few characters evolved quite like Kensi, and few stars became as synonymous with the show as Ruah.
But as fans reflect on over a decade of undercover operations, covert missions, and high-stakes romance between Kensi and partner-turned-husband Marty Deeks (played by Eric Christian Olsen), one question continues to intrigue longtime viewers:
How much money did Daniela Ruah actually make from the show?
From Portuguese Soap Star to CBS Primetime Powerhouse
Before she was leading tactical teams and dodging bullets in L.A., Ruah’s career began thousands of miles away — in her native Portugal. At just 16, she starred in local telenovelas, eventually earning accolades and attention for her work in European television.
But her breakthrough came in 2009, when she landed the role of Kensi Blye — a sharp-shooting junior agent with a no-nonsense attitude — on CBS’ NCIS: Los Angeles. Over the next 14 seasons and nearly 300 episodes, Ruah’s character became central to the show’s emotional core, navigating everything from dangerous missions in the Middle East to personal trauma, injury, and eventually motherhood.
A Net Worth Built on Longevity and Loyalty
So how much has Daniela Ruah earned from her long-running role?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ruah is currently valued at $7 million.
While that number falls below NCIS: LA leads Chris O’Donnell ($25 million) and LL Cool J ($125 million), it’s an impressive figure that reflects a consistent, multi-season network television salary — something most actors only dream of.
How Much Did She Make Per Episode?
Exact per-episode figures for Ruah have not been publicly confirmed. However, given that Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J reportedly earned around $350,000 per episode, it’s likely that Ruah, a key cast member but without the A-list status they had pre-series, earned a lower — but still substantial — amount.
According to PopBuzz and other industry estimates, longtime series regulars on network dramas can earn between $100,000–$150,000 per episode, especially when they’ve been with the show from the beginning. Considering Ruah’s loyalty to NCIS: LA and her increasing prominence over the years, her salary likely grew significantly from early seasons to the final years.
More Than Just a Paycheck: Producing and Directing
Ruah’s involvement with NCIS: Los Angeles wasn’t just in front of the camera. As the show matured, so did her role behind the scenes. She directed multiple episodes, proving her talents extend far beyond acting — and paving the way for a future in producing and filmmaking.
That behind-the-camera work not only bolsters her creative credentials but likely came with added compensation and long-term career opportunities. Post-NCIS: LA, Ruah has also landed hosting gigs in Portugal and continues to expand her international career.
A Future That’s Just Getting Started
With NCIS: LA now wrapped, fans are eager to see what’s next for Daniela Ruah — and so is Hollywood. She’s already signed on to star in new projects, including Portuguese-language dramas and additional directing ventures. But no matter where her career takes her, the role of Kensi Blye — and the fortune she built along the way — will always remain a defining chapter.
And for a girl from Lisbon who became a household name in American primetime? That’s more than just a paycheck. It’s a legacy.
