Kensi Blye is played by actress and director Daniela Ruah. Best known for her extensive run on the CBS police procedural NCIS: Los Angeles, Ruah spent fourteen years bringing the rugged, quick-witted special agent to life across 320 episodes. While millions of viewers recognize her from television screens worldwide, her path to prime-time television spans multiple countries, languages, and early professional milestones that predated her American breakout role.
Early Life and International Roots
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah moved with her family to Portugal when she was five years old. Growing up in an environment shaped by diverse cultural backgrounds, she developed a multicultural perspective that later fueled her fluency in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
Acting captured her interest early. At the age of sixteen, she secured her first professional acting role in the Portuguese telenovela Jardins Proibidos (Forbidden Gardens), playing the character Sara. Balancing a demanding shooting schedule with high school set the foundation for a professional work ethic long before she crossed over into American television.
Moving to London and New York for Training
At eighteen, Ruah relocated to the United Kingdom to study performing arts at London Metropolitan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts. The rigorous academic and practical training honed her craft for international markets.
Seeking further artistic growth, she later moved to the United States to study at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. This transition proved vital, positioning her to audition for major network casting calls in Los Angeles, where she eventually landed the career-defining role in the NCIS franchise.
Stepping Into the Role of Kensi Blye
Ruah joined the NCIS universe in 2009, first appearing as Special Agent Kensi Blye during the backdoor pilot episodes ("Legend") of NCIS: Los Angeles. The character quickly became a fan favorite known for tactical expertise, hand-to-hand combat skills, and an emotional resilience built on a complicated past.
Throughout the series' run, Ruah performed many of her own stunts, earning recognition within the industry, including a nomination for a Teen Choice Award and the Artemis Women in Action Film Festival Artemis Action Warrior Award. She also crossed over as Kensi Blye into other hit shows like Hawaii Five-0.
Transition Behind the Camera and Directing
When NCIS: Los Angeles concluded its fourteenth and final season in 2023, Ruah's relationship with the franchise didn't end. She had already expanded her creative footprint by stepping behind the camera as a director.
She directed multiple episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles during its later seasons and subsequently directed episodes for other major network procedurals, including [NCIS and NCIS: Hawai'i, proving her longevity and versatility within the television industry.
Personal Life and Family Connections
Ruah's connection to the entertainment industry extends into her personal life. In 2014, she married David Paul Olsen, a stuntman and military veteran. Interestingly, David is the older brother and stunt double of Eric Christian Olsen, who played Marty Deeks—Kensi Blye's longtime partner and eventual husband on NCIS: Los Angeles. The couple shares two children: a son born in 2013 and a daughter born in 2016. Beyond acting and directing, Ruah maintains active involvement in charitable organizations focused on fair trade and artisan support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Daniela Ruah perform her own stunts on NCIS: Los Angeles?
Yes, Ruah performed a significant portion of her own action sequences and fight choreography throughout the series, working closely with the stunt crew—which included her future brother-in-law and stunt double, David Paul Olsen. Her physical commitment to the role earned her multiple stunt and action award nominations.
What is Daniela Ruah's natural eye condition?
Ruah has a distinct physical trait known as a birthmark in her right eye (specifically, a nevus of Ota), which causes the iris of her right eye to appear noticeably darker while her left eye is hazel.
Is Daniela Ruah related to Eric Christian Olsen in real life?
They are not blood relatives, but they are brothers-in-law. Ruah is married to David Paul Olsen, who is Eric Christian Olsen's older brother and primary stunt double on the show.
What languages does Daniela Ruah speak?
Because of her upbringing between the United States and Portugal, Ruah is completely bilingual in English and Portuguese. She is also fluent in Spanish.
