Daniela Ruah, a Portuguese-American actress, has become widely recognized for her portrayal of Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, a role she played for 12 seasons and nearly 300 episodes. Ruah’s career in the entertainment industry began at the age of 16 when she appeared in telenovelas in Portugal. However, it was her work on the CBS series that catapulted her into international fame. As Kensi, she showcased both strength and vulnerability, taking viewers on a journey as her character faced intense challenges, including serious injuries from her undercover assignments, as well as the emotional rollercoaster of her evolving relationship with her partner, Marty Deeks, played by Eric Christian Olsen. By the end of the series, Kensi and Deeks not only became partners in work but also in life, with the couple expecting a child after struggling with infertility.
Given the success and longevity of NCIS: Los Angeles, many fans are curious about how much the show’s stars, including Daniela Ruah, earned throughout the series. While exact figures about her salary aren’t publicly disclosed, there are some clues based on industry standards and the salaries of her co-stars. It’s known that the top earners on the show, such as Chris O’Donnell (who played G. Callen) and LL Cool J (who portrayed Sam Hanna), reportedly make around $350,000 per episode. This figure is a reflection of their long-standing careers in both television and film, as well as their significant roles in the NCIS franchise.
For Daniela Ruah, who joined the show in its inaugural season and was a lead actress throughout the series, her earnings per episode likely fall into the typical range for a veteran network TV actress, especially one who’s been on a hit show for over a decade. It’s estimated that Ruah may have made somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000 per episode. While her salary is not as high as her male counterparts, it’s still a significant sum that reflects her importance to the series. Over the course of 12 seasons, this would have accumulated to millions of dollars in earnings from NCIS: Los Angeles alone.
Beyond her salary from the show, Ruah’s total net worth is estimated to be around $7 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure includes not only her earnings from NCIS: Los Angeles but also her work outside the series. While her net worth may be much lower than LL Cool J’s, whose $125 million net worth is largely due to his successful music career, or Chris O’Donnell’s $25 million, which was bolstered by his roles in blockbuster films like Batman Forever and The Three Musketeers, Ruah’s career in the entertainment industry has nonetheless been highly lucrative. Her role in NCIS: Los Angeles solidified her status as a respected and recognizable actress in the industry, and she has undoubtedly earned a considerable amount over the years from the series alone.
Moreover, Ruah’s financial success is a reflection of her hard work and dedication not only to her acting career but also to other ventures in the entertainment world. In addition to her acting, Daniela has hosted various television shows and appeared in multiple projects in Portugal. Her fame in the NCIS franchise has opened doors for new opportunities, including potentially appearing in future NCIS spinoffs or crossovers. As her career continues to evolve, it’s clear that Daniela Ruah has built a substantial fortune, making her one of the most successful actresses to emerge from the NCIS universe.
Though she may not be as financially towering as some of her fellow co-stars, Ruah has carved out a steady and profitable career from her work on NCIS: Los Angeles, and she has established a strong foundation for whatever comes next in her career. Whether or not we see her reprise the role of Kensi Blye in any future NCIS spinoffs remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Ruah has earned her place among the most successful TV stars of her generation
