NCIS: LA Stars Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah: A Real-Life Family Connection

For fourteen seasons, Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah captivated audiences as the dynamic, often hilarious, and ultimately deeply romantic duo, Marty Deeks and Kensi Blye, on NCIS: Los Angeles. Their on-screen chemistry, affectionately dubbed “Densi” by fans, was a cornerstone of the show’s massive success, evolving from playful banter to a loving marriage and expanding family. What many viewers might not realize, however, is that the profound connection between these two actors extends far beyond the scripts. In real life, Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah aren’t just close co-stars; they are family.

The Matchmaking Mastermind: How It All Began

The unique real-life relationship between Olsen and Ruah is thanks to none other than Eric Christian Olsen himself. The story of how Daniela met her husband, David Paul Olsen, Eric’s older brother, is a testament to the close-knit nature of the NCIS: LA set and Eric’s keen eye for compatibility.

Eric’s Role as Cupid

• David Paul Olsen’s Connection to the Show: David Paul Olsen worked as a stunt double for his brother Eric on NCIS: LA for many years. This meant he was frequently on set, making it a natural environment for him and Daniela to meet.
• A Subtle Introduction: Eric Christian Olsen has openly shared how he played matchmaker. He would subtly speak highly of Daniela to David, and vice versa, creating a buzz between them without being overly direct. He once famously told The Queen Latifah Show that he “would say something nice about her to him and then say something to him about her,” which was “enough to kinda get them started in conversation.”
• A Perfect Match: His efforts paid off. Daniela and David started dating in 2011, got engaged in December 2012, and welcomed their first child, son River Isaac, in December 2013. They married in June 2014 in Portugal, Daniela’s home country, further solidifying their family ties. Their daughter, Sierra Esther, followed in September 2016.

This unique origin story instantly created a bond between Eric and Daniela that transcends typical co-star relationships. They became in-laws, making their on-screen romance even more remarkable.

From On-Screen Romance to Real-Life In-Laws

The fact that Daniela Ruah is married to Eric Christian Olsen’s brother means that the actors who portrayed one of television’s most beloved romantic pairings are now, quite literally, family. This dynamic has often intrigued fans, prompting questions about how it impacted their on-screen chemistry and their personal lives.

Navigating “Densi” as In-Laws

• Professionalism Prevails: Both actors have consistently stated that their real-life family connection never made their on-screen romantic scenes awkward. They are seasoned professionals who understood the demands of their roles. Daniela once explained to Queen Latifah that while the “obvious answer would be ‘yes'” regarding awkwardness, they were “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.”
• Enhanced Chemistry: In fact, their close relationship off-screen likely enhanced their on-screen dynamic. The genuine affection, trust, and comfort they shared undoubtedly contributed to the authentic and palpable chemistry that made “Densi” so compelling. Their shared history and mutual respect shone through in every scene.
• Shared Parenthood: Both Daniela and Eric became parents while working on NCIS: LA, and their children are cousins. This shared experience of navigating parenthood while working demanding schedules further deepened their bond. Daniela noted that going “through the same phases of our lives at the same time just kind of makes you relate even more.”

A True Family: Off-Screen Gatherings and Support

The in-law connection means that the Olsen and Ruah families spend significant time together outside of filming. Their social media often provides heartwarming glimpses into their joint vacations, holiday celebrations, and everyday family life.

Holidays, Vacations, and Support

• Shared Celebrations: Daniela and Eric have confirmed that their families spend holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas together, along with half of their summers. This level of shared time speaks volumes about their deep bond and how seamlessly their professional and personal lives have intertwined.
• Mutual Support Through Hardship: Their close family ties were recently highlighted during a challenging time for Eric Christian Olsen. When his and his wife Sarah Wright Olsen’s home was destroyed in a wildfire, Daniela and David Paul Olsen reportedly opened their home to Eric’s family, including their children, providing refuge and unwavering support. Eric publicly expressed his profound gratitude for this “effortless grace,” underscoring the true meaning of family.
• Beyond the Set: Even after NCIS: LA concluded, their bond has remained strong. They continue to support each other’s ventures, such as Daniela Ruah’s recent participation in the Malibu Triathlon, where her husband David and former co-star Caleb Castille also joined her team.

The Impact on the Show and Its Legacy

The real-life bond between Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah undeniably contributed to the enduring success and beloved status of NCIS: LA.

• Authenticity of “Densi”: The genuine affection between the actors translated into a believable and heartwarming on-screen romance, making “Densi” one of the most iconic couples in procedural drama history.
• Positive Set Environment: Their strong friendship, coupled with the camaraderie among the entire cast, created a positive and supportive working environment that was often praised by cast and crew. This fosters creativity and longevity for a show.
• Lasting Impression: Even with NCIS: LA now off the air, the unique family connection between its two lead actors ensures that their legacy, and the show’s, will live on in a truly special way. Fans often cite their off-screen relationship as a significant factor in their devotion to the series.

Conclusion: A Love Story Both On-Screen and Off

The closeness of NCIS: Los Angeles stars Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah is a rare and beautiful example of how professional connections can blossom into deep, familial bonds. Thanks to Eric’s matchmaking efforts, the actors who played the iconic Kensi and Deeks became not just co-stars, but brother-in-law and sister-in-law, their children becoming cousins.

This unique real-life relationship undoubtedly enriched their on-screen performances, giving the “Densi” romance an authentic layer of chemistry and trust. More importantly, it solidified a lasting family connection that continues to thrive beyond the show’s conclusion, marked by shared celebrations, mutual support through challenges, and an unbreakable bond that will endure for years to come. For fans of NCIS: LA, knowing the true depth of their off-screen relationship only adds to the magic of the series they loved so dearly.