Daniela Sofia Cohen Rua, known professionally as Daniela Rua, is a talented Portuguese-American actress and film director who gained widespread recognition for her role as NCIS Special Agent Kensi Bly on the hit CBS police procedural drama NCIS: Los Angeles.
With her outstanding acting skills and charming screen image, Daniela has successfully captured the hearts of audiences around the world and has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
contour
- Full name: Daniela Sofia Cohen Rua
- Stage name: Daniela Ruah
- Date of Birth: December 2, 1983
- Age: 40.
- Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Nationality: American-Portuguese
- Occupation: Actor, film director
- Height: 1.73 m
- Parents: Catarina Lia Katia Azancot Korn, Moisés Carlos Bentes Ruah
- Brothers and sisters: None
- Spouse: David Paul Olson (married in 2014)
- Children: River Isaac Ruah Olsen, Sierra Esther Ruah Olsen
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $7 million
early life
Daniela Rua’s early life was a blend of two cultures that fueled her early passion for acting. Although she is Portuguese-American, she was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Portuguese parents who were both medical professionals (her mother is an otologist and her father is an ear, nose and throat surgeon).
When she was five, her family moved back to Portugal, which became her primary residence while growing up.
So, although she was born in the United States, her early life was influenced by her Portuguese roots, and it was clear that she was inclined to pursue creative goals from an early age.
educate
Daniela Ruah grew up in Portugal and attended St Julian’s School before attending London Metropolitan University to study a BA in Performing Arts.
She further honed her craft at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City.
Ruah has had a passion for acting since her teenage years and she continued to pursue it professionally while balancing her education in Portugal and abroad.
Profession
Daniela Rua’s acting career has gone through two different phases, starting in Portugal and then transitioning to Hollywood.
At the age of 16, she made her mark in the Portuguese entertainment industry by starring in a soap opera.
After studying and honing her craft in London, she returned to Portugal to continue her pursuit of excellence.
She won the local version of Dancing with the Stars (“Dança Comigo”) and starred in several TV series, short films and theatre productions. Her dedication and talent have brought her fame both at home and abroad.
Daniela Ruah joined the cast of NCIS: Los Angeles in 2009 as Kensi Blye, and her career began to take off.
She became a beloved regular cast member of the show over 14 seasons from 2009 to 2023, showcasing her impressive action skills, humor, and dramatic acting abilities.
In addition to her role in NCIS: Los Angeles, which solidified her status as a talented actress, Rua has also guest-starred on other popular TV series like Paradise Enforcer and appeared in a number of short films throughout her career.
In recent years, Daniela Ruah has expanded her talents beyond acting, directing NCIS: Los Angeles and the mini-series “Contacted by Madam.”
Her roles both on and off screen are extremely varied, highlighting her wide range of talents as an actress. With success in Portugal and the United States, Rua’s career continues to flourish, establishing her as an established actress and emerging director to watch in the industry.
Awards and nominations
- 2012: Nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series for her work on NCIS: Los Angeles (although technically a television series, the award category includes some TV movies).
- 2010: She received a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Action Actress for her role in NCIS: Los Angeles.
- 2014-2018: She received five consecutive People’s Choice Award nominations for Favorite Crime Drama Actress for her performance in NCIS: Los Angeles.
- 2010 (Award): Golden Globe Award for his role in NCIS: Los Angeles Apocalypse
- 2019 (Nominated): Golden Globe Entertainment Award – Personality of the Year
- 2018 (Nominated): Best Actress in International Short Film Competition – “Excuse”
- 2023 (Nominated): Best Short Film Director – National Competition The Living, the Dead and the Fried Fish
social media
- Instagram account: @danielaruah
- Facebook account: Daniela Ruah
- Twitter: @danielaruah
personal life
Daniela Ruah, best known for her role in NCIS: Los Angeles, fell in love with former US Navy SEAL and current stuntman David Paul Olsen on the set of the show. The couple got married in a beautiful ceremony in Portugal in 2014.
Interestingly, David is not only Daniela’s husband, but also the brother of her co-star Eric Christian Olsen.
They have two adorable children together – a son named River Isaac, born in 2013, and a daughter named Sierra Esther, born in 2016. Their family is the true picture of love and happiness on and off the screen.
Filmography
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-2023) as Kensi Blye (protagonist)
- NCIS (2009) as Kensi Blye (guest role)
- Hawaii 6 (2011) as Kensi Blye (guest role)
- A Espia (2020) as Maria João Mascarenhas (miniseries)
- Turning the Tide (2023) as Fatima (series)
- Guiding Light (2009) as Gigi (soap opera)
- Life Case (2008) as Rita (series)
- The Red Tail (2012) as Sophia
- Excuses (2017) as Brenda (short film)
- Pivot (2017) Playing a pregnant woman (short film)
- Tu & Eu (2011) as Sophia (short film)
- Safe Haven (2009) as Angela Bowery (short film)
- Midnight Passion (2009) as Sophie (short film)
Rua also directed several episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles (2021-2023) and the miniseries A Woman’s Contract (2022).
She has been a guest on talk shows such as Queen of Comedy (2016), The Queen Latifah Show (2015), and Late Night with Craig Ferguson (2012).
net worth
Daniela Rua is a talented Portuguese-American actress and film director who has an estimated net worth of around $7 million.
Her illustrious career in the entertainment industry has enabled her to amass wealth through various projects and roles.
With her dedication and passion for acting and filmmaking, Daniela Rua continues to showcase her talent and inspire audiences around the world.
