NCIS: Los Angeles’ Kensi Actor Daniela Ruah Bids Emotional Farewell in Heartfelt Series Wrap Post

For fourteen years, Daniela Ruah was the embodiment of strength, resilience, and unwavering loyalty as Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles. Her journey, from a complex and guarded operative to a loving wife and mother, resonated deeply with millions of fans worldwide. As the sun set on the beloved CBS procedural, wrapping production on its 14th and final season in early March 2023, Ruah, like her co-stars, found herself navigating a bittersweet mix of emotions. She eloquently captured these feelings in a deeply moving social media post, offering fans a poignant glimpse into the final moments of an extraordinary chapter.

The Inevitable End: Saying Goodbye to a Legacy

The announcement that NCIS: Los Angeles would conclude after Season 14 was a difficult one for fans and cast alike. While the show enjoyed a long and successful run, the decision from CBS meant that a beloved part of television history was coming to an end. This allowed for a carefully crafted finale, providing closure for the characters and the show’s dedicated audience.

For the actors, particularly those like Daniela Ruah who had been with the series since its inception in 2009, saying goodbye was more than just leaving a job; it was saying farewell to a significant portion of their lives and a family built over years of shared experiences.

Daniela Ruah’s Emotional Tribute: “Good Night My Kensi”

As filming for the final season concluded in March 2023, Daniela Ruah took to her Instagram to share a truly heartfelt and emotional tribute. Her post resonated with fans worldwide, encapsulating the profound impact the show and her character, Kensi Blye, had on her life.

In her poignant message, accompanied by a video montage of joyous moments from the wrap party and behind-the-scenes clips, Ruah wrote:

“ABOUT LAST NIGHT. You guuuuys, last night was the cherry on the cake of joy, celebrating 14 years, aka 324 episodes aka 4972 days since we started this glorious journey with the most amazing cast & crew in Hollywood, every guest actor, stunts, every reoccurring role, writers, ADs, PAs, crafty, catering, wardrobe, producers, directors,“ she began, meticulously acknowledging every person who contributed to the show’s success.

She continued, expressing the sheer magnitude of their accomplishment: “Guys, we did it. We made TV History. Wish I had every photo taken last night but alas, I celebrate everyone!!!“

In a separate, equally touching post, featuring a somber black-and-white portrait of herself in character as Kensi, perhaps even appearing asleep on one of the iconic leather couches in the NCIS: LA headquarters, she simply captioned it: “Good night my Kensi. It’s been an honour to be you for 14 years.” She also included the caption in Spanish, a nod to her Portuguese heritage, and added the hashtags: “#TheEnd #Fim #ThatsAWrap.”

The Impact of Her Words:

• Gratitude for the Journey: Ruah’s post was brimming with gratitude, not just for the success of the show but for the collective effort and joy shared with everyone involved in its production.
• Celebrating History: She acknowledged the impressive feat of creating “TV History” with 14 seasons and over 300 episodes, a rare accomplishment in today’s television landscape.
• Personal Farewell to Kensi: The “Good night my Kensi” phrase was a particularly poignant touch, signaling a personal farewell to a character she had inhabited for half her life. It highlighted the deep bond between actor and role, making it more than just a job for Ruah.
• Connecting with Fans: Her post allowed fans to share in her emotions, providing a collective space for sadness, nostalgia, and appreciation for the show’s incredible run. Many fans responded with their own heartfelt messages, expressing how much Kensi had inspired them and how deeply they would miss the show.

14 Years of Life: Daniela Ruah’s Journey with Kensi

Daniela Ruah was just 25 years old when she first stepped into Kensi Blye’s shoes in 2009. By the time NCIS: LA wrapped, she was 39. Her “emotional post” underscores how profoundly the show intertwined with her personal life.

Milestones Shared On-Screen and Off:

• Meeting Her Husband: Ruah met her husband, David Paul Olsen (Eric Christian Olsen’s brother and stunt double), through the show. Their relationship blossomed on set, leading to marriage and the birth of their two children.
• Motherhood: Ruah became a mother to son River Isaac and daughter Sierra Esther during her time on NCIS: LA. She often navigated pregnancies and postpartum recovery while filming demanding action sequences, showcasing her incredible dedication.
• Personal Growth: Kensi’s character arc mirrored Ruah’s own growth. Kensi matured from a fiercely independent agent with a troubled past into a committed partner, wife, and mother. Ruah, in turn, honed her craft, becoming a respected actress and eventually, a director within the NCIS universe. As she reflected, “My whole life…happened on this show.”

This deep personal connection made the series wrap all the more emotional, as it wasn’t just the end of a professional gig, but the closing of a significant chapter in her life.

The Enduring Legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles

Daniela Ruah’s emotional series wrap post was a fitting tribute to a show that left an indelible mark on television. NCIS: Los Angeles stood out for its:

• High-Octane Action: Consistently delivering thrilling and well-choreographed action sequences.
• Strong Character Development: Allowing its core characters to evolve, face personal demons, and build deep, meaningful relationships.
• Exceptional Chemistry: The undeniable bond between the cast, particularly the “Densi” dynamic, was a fan favorite and a central pillar of the show’s appeal.
• Global Reach: The show garnered a massive international fanbase, a testament to its compelling storytelling and universal themes.

While the show has ended, its legacy continues through reruns, streaming platforms, and the ongoing work of its talented cast and crew. Daniela Ruah, for her part, has already embarked on new ventures, including directing within the NCIS franchise and other projects.

Conclusion: A Farewell Marked by Gratitude and Love

Daniela Ruah’s emotional series wrap post for NCIS: Los Angeles was a powerful testament to the impact of a long-running television series. It wasn’t just a simple announcement of closure, but a heartfelt expression of gratitude for 14 years of shared memories, hard work, and the formation of a true family on set.

Her words, particularly the tender “Good night my Kensi,” resonated deeply, serving as a collective farewell to a character that many fans had invited into their homes for over a decade. It was a reminder that behind the action and drama, there were real people, building real connections, and creating something truly special. As the final episodes aired, Ruah’s emotional post served as a poignant prelude, allowing fans to share in the bittersweet celebration of an incredible run and bid a final, grateful farewell to the world of NCIS: Los Angeles.