Daniela Ruah
The stars of NCIS: Los Angeles just can’t get enough of the series’ franchise. Not only is LL Cool J returning in his role as Sam Hanna as a recurring character on NCIS: Hawai’i, but Daniela Ruah, who starred as Kensi Blye, is returning to the NCISverse behind the camera.
The actress, who made her directorial debut on NCIS: LA in season 12 and went on to direct six episodes, will be directing an episode of NCIS that airs in March and then an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i that airs in April.
“Kensi was born as a character on NCIS, 15 years ago, so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor,” Ruah told Deadline. “So many familiar faces and people I love, and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. It’s like coming home.”
Parade spoke to Blye about directing for the “Flesh & Blood” episode of NCIS: Los Angeles back in November 2022, and here is what she told us about her approach:
“I do think it’s important for a director to know when they need to step in more intensively, when there’s something more designed that they have in mind for a scene, and there are times when it’s my job to step back and let somebody else do their magic.”
Both NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i will return to CBS with new episodes on Feb. 12. NCIS will be marking its 21st season; Hawai’i its third.
