Daniela Ruah Net Worth

What is Daniela Ruah's net worth?

Daniela Ruah is a Portuguese American actress who has a net worth of $8 million. Daniela Ruah is best known for her long-running role as Special Agent Kensi Blye on the hit CBS series "NCIS: Los Angeles." Over 14 seasons and 300+ episodes, Ruah established herself as one of the most recognizable faces in crime drama television. Her compelling performances, action-heavy scenes, and on-screen chemistry with co-star Eric Christian Olsen made her a fan favorite. Beyond acting, Ruah has worked as a director, television host, and brand ambassador, building a diverse career that bridges the U.S. and Portuguese entertainment industries.

Early Life and Education

Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah was born on December 2, 1983, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Portuguese-Jewish parents. Her father was an ENT surgeon, and her mother worked in the medical field. When she was five years old, the family moved back to Portugal, where Ruah was raised and educated.

She began acting in Portuguese television at age 16, first gaining attention in the teen soap "Jardins Proibidos." Determined to improve her craft, Ruah moved to London to attend the London Metropolitan University, where she earned a degree in performing arts. She later returned to the U.S. to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City.

NCIS: Los Angeles

Ruah's major breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast as Kensi Blye in "NCIS: Los Angeles," a spinoff of the massively popular "NCIS" franchise. Her character, a tough and intelligent special agent with a complicated backstory, became a core member of the team and played a central role throughout the show's 14-season run.

Ruah's performance stood out not just for her dramatic acting but also for her physicality—she often performed her own stunts and action sequences. Her on-screen partnership with Eric Christian Olsen, who played Detective Marty Deeks, became a cornerstone of the show and evolved into one of the most beloved slow-burn romances in procedural television.

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Directing and Other Projects

In addition to acting, Ruah stepped behind the camera in the later seasons of "NCIS: Los Angeles," directing several episodes between 2021 and 2023. Her transition into directing was well-received and earned praise from both cast and crew.

Outside of the NCIS franchise, Ruah has hosted major television events in Portugal, including the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018, which she co-hosted live from Lisbon. She also appeared in the CBS reality competition "Superstar Racing Experience" as a pit reporter and took roles in Portuguese-language films and miniseries, reinforcing her connection to her European fanbase.

Personal Life

Daniela Ruah is married to David Paul Olsen, a former Navy SEAL-turned-stuntman and the real-life brother of her "NCIS: Los Angeles" co-star Eric Christian Olsen. The couple met on set and were married in 2014 in Portugal. They have two children together: a son born in 2013 and a daughter born in 2016.

Ruah is fluent in English and Portuguese and identifies strongly with both her American and Portuguese heritage. She is also openly Jewish and has spoken about the importance of passing on cultural traditions to her children.

Real Estate

In August 2015, Daniela and David paid $2.13 million for a large property in Woodland Hills, California. The 5,000-square-foot home sits on nearly an acre and features a pool, a spa and full-sized basketball/tennis court. Today, the home is worth around $4 million.

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