The NCIS: LA star didn’t just find love on screen — she found it in real life, too… in the most surprising place.
She plays a fierce federal agent with a soft spot for romance on NCIS: Los Angeles, but in real life, Daniela Ruah’s love story could rival any scripted drama. Elegant, focused, and fiercely private, Ruah has kept much of her personal life out of the spotlight — which is surprising, considering her love story reads like the plot of a primetime series: an on-set meeting, a twist of fate, a military wedding, and a Hollywood ending.
So who is the man who stole Daniela Ruah’s heart? And what makes their relationship not just last — but thrive — in a world where celebrity breakups are more common than season renewals?
From Portugal to Primetime
Before she was Kensi Blye — the no-nonsense NCIS Special Agent fans grew to love over 14 seasons — Daniela Ruah was a rising star in Portugal, known for her work in telenovelas. Born in Boston but raised in Lisbon, she returned to the U.S. to pursue acting and struck gold when she was cast as the lead female in NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009.
That same year, she met the man who would change her life — David Paul Olsen, stunt performer… and older brother of her co-star, Eric Christian Olsen.
The Hollywood Setup You Never Saw Coming
In a twist worthy of a rom-com, Eric Christian Olsen played matchmaker between his on-screen partner and his real-life brother.
“We joke that he knew it would work all along,” Daniela once said in an interview. “He saw how alike we were before we did.”
David, a respected stunt double who worked on NCIS: LA as Chris O’Donnell’s double, was instantly drawn to Daniela’s intelligence, humor, and down-to-earth nature. Despite the glitz of Hollywood, the two connected over shared values — family, privacy, and purpose.
Falling in Love on Set — Silently
Their romance blossomed quietly on the NCIS: LA set, away from the public eye. There were no tabloid headlines or red-carpet reveals — just stolen glances between takes and private moments on the backlot.
“He’s the kindest, most patient man I’ve ever met,” Ruah once gushed in a rare public comment. “There’s something grounding about loving someone who’s outside the spotlight.”
Wedding with a Military Twist
In June 2014, Daniela and David tied the knot in a stunning ceremony held in Portugal. The intimate event was a nod to her roots, and it reflected the couple’s desire for authenticity over flash. But the wedding was far from ordinary.
David Olsen is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, which gave their union a layer of real-world military connection — making Daniela’s portrayal of a military-affiliated NCIS agent all the more personal.
The wedding was a true blending of worlds: her Portuguese heritage, his military background, and their Hollywood careers. And yet, it felt deeply normal — which is exactly how the couple wanted it.
Two Kids, Two Careers, One Quiet Life
Today, Daniela and David share two children: River Isaac and Sierra Esther, whom they raise with a commitment to balance. Despite her demanding filming schedule during the show’s run, Ruah has always prioritized family.
“She’s a superhero on set and a supermom at home,” Eric Christian Olsen once said of his sister-in-law.
And now that NCIS: LA has ended, Ruah is embracing a new chapter — directing, producing, and spending more time with her family. While she still appears at public events occasionally, she and David remain largely low-profile, raising their children away from Hollywood’s usual chaos.
Why It Works: The Ruah-Olsen Formula
In an industry built on appearances, Daniela Ruah and David Olsen have stayed together by rejecting the typical trappings of celebrity life. They don’t court press. They don’t post every date night. And that’s intentional.
“They live like a normal couple — hikes, school drop-offs, family dinners,” a friend of the couple shared. “And they support each other 100%.”
David continues to work in stunts, with credits including The Last Ship, Transformers, and NCIS: LA, while Daniela has moved into directing — not just on NCIS, but also on Portuguese television.
Their marriage, built on mutual respect and a shared sense of humor, has withstood the test of time — and the test of television fame.
What’s Next for Daniela Ruah?
With NCIS: Los Angeles officially wrapped, Daniela has already set her sights on new creative ventures, including producing projects that bridge her American and Portuguese identities. She recently directed a Portuguese crime drama and is rumored to be developing her own scripted series.
But at the heart of it all is her role as wife and mother — and her unwavering connection to David, the quiet man who captured her heart off-screen, while her co-star brother unknowingly gave them the perfect setup.
A Real Love Story in a World of Scripts
For a woman who made her name playing a tough, tactical federal agent, Daniela Ruah’s greatest strength may lie in how gracefully she’s handled fame, family, and love. Hers isn’t the kind of romance that splashes across tabloids — and that’s exactly why it’s lasted.
After all, in Hollywood, the most compelling love stories are the ones that don’t need a script.
