Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah, born on December 2, 1983, in Boston, Massachusetts, is an American-Portuguese actress and film director. She is best known for her role as Special Agent Kensi Blye in the CBS police procedural series NCIS: Los Angeles.
Her impressive acting skills and dedication to her craft have earned her critical acclaim and a substantial fan base. Ruah’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million, with her primary source of income being her role in NCIS: Los Angeles, where she earned approximately $100,000 per episode.
Early Age
Daniela Ruah was born to Jewish parents from Portugal. Her mother is an otologist, and her father is an ENT surgeon. When Ruah was five years old, her family moved back to Portugal.
Growing up in an environment enriched by Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jewish traditions, Ruah attended St. Julian’s School.
At 16, she began her acting career in telenovelas, quickly establishing herself as a talented actress.
Education
At 18, Ruah moved to the United Kingdom to further her education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in performing arts from London Metropolitan University.
Following her graduation, she returned to Portugal to continue her acting career.
In 2007, Ruah moved to New York City to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, further honing her craft and preparing for more diverse roles in her acting career.
Career
Daniela Ruah’s acting career began in her teenage years with her debut in the Portuguese soap opera ‘Jardins Proibidos’ (Forbidden Gardens).
She gained popularity in Portugal, winning the celebrity dance competition ‘Dança Comigo,’ the Portuguese version of Dancing with the Stars. Ruah’s versatility as a performer was evident as she took on various roles in television series, short films, and theater productions.
In 2009, she landed the role of Special Agent Kensi Blye in NCIS: Los Angeles, a role that would define her career. She appeared in 323 series episodes and even returned to direct two episodes. Ruah’s success on NCIS: Los Angeles was complemented by guest appearances on shows like Hawaii Five-0 and hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon in 2018.
Personal Life
In her personal life, Daniela Ruah is married to David Paul Olsen, a stuntman and the older brother of her NCIS: Los Angeles co-star Eric Christian Olsen. The couple married in an interfaith ceremony in 2014, with Olsen being Lutheran.
They have two children: a son, River Isaac Ruah Olsen, born in December 2013, and a daughter, Sierra Esther Ruah Olsen, born in September 2016.
Despite her busy schedule, Ruah remains dedicated to her family and roots. She often returns to Portugal and participates in cultural events, such as hosting the Eurovision Song Contest.
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