Daniela Ruah, celebrated for her portrayal of Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, battled insecurities when she first ventured into acting more than two decades ago. Despite her initial apprehensions of potential rejection, she secured a breakthrough on national television in 2009 by joining 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 episode of The Wayne Ayers Podcast, Ruah candidly shared her experiences from her time in Portuguese soap operas, revealing the challenges she encountered. She emphasized the struggles she faced in the beginning and the pressure to accept every opportunity as a newcomer in the industry. Offering valuable advice for aspiring actors, she stressed the importance of being adaptable yet assertive when necessary.
Ruah highlighted the significance of basic professionalism, such as punctuality, while also emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries. She encouraged actors to prioritize their well-being and not hesitate to decline requests that could potentially harm their health or performance.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of the industry, Ruah recognized the common practice of professionals requesting various commitments. However, she emphasized the importance of individuals discerning what they are comfortable with and considering the long-term consequences of their choices.
Despite the conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles after its 14-season run earlier this year, Ruah remains active in her career. She recently showcased her versatility beyond the familiar NCIS setting by appearing as Fatima in the Netflix Portuguese series Turn of the Tide.
