Daniela Ruah, celebrated for her portrayal of Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, faced insecurities at the outset of her acting journey over two decades ago. Despite her initial trepidation of potential rejection, she achieved her national television breakthrough in 2009 when she joined NCIS: Los Angeles as Agent Kensi Blye. Before her role on the CBS cop drama, she primarily worked in Portuguese television, notably starring as Sara in the soap opera Jardins Proibidos for a year.
During an interview on The Wayne Ayers Podcast, Ruah candidly discussed the challenges she encountered while working in Portuguese soap operas. She emphasized the difficulties she faced initially and the pressure to accept every opportunity as a newcomer in the industry. Providing valuable advice for aspiring actors, she stressed the importance of being accommodating yet assertive on certain matters.
Ruah highlighted the significance of fundamental professionalism, including punctuality, while also emphasizing the importance of establishing boundaries. She encouraged actors to prioritize their well-being and not hesitate to decline requests that could potentially impact their health or performance negatively.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of the industry, Ruah noted that while it’s common for professionals to request various commitments, individuals must discern what they are comfortable with and what might have long-term consequences.
Although NCIS: Los Angeles concluded its 14-season run earlier this year, Ruah continues to be active in her career. She recently showcased her versatility by portraying Fatima in the Netflix Portuguese series Turn of the Tide, demonstrating her talent beyond the familiar NCIS setting.