### NCIS: LA’s Daniela Ruah Reflects on Early Career Insecurities and Offers Sage Advice for Aspiring Actors
Daniela Ruah, best known for her role as Kensi Blye on **NCIS: Los Angeles**, recently opened up about the insecurities she faced at the beginning of her acting career over two decades ago. Despite her initial fears of rejection, Ruah achieved her national television breakthrough in 2009 with her iconic role on the CBS cop drama. Before this, she was a staple on Portuguese television, notably starring as Sara in the soap opera **Jardins Proibidos**.
In a candid interview on **The Wayne Ayers Podcast**, Ruah discussed the early challenges she encountered in Portuguese soap operas. She emphasized the pressure to accept every opportunity as a newcomer and the struggles of navigating the industry. Sharing valuable advice for aspiring actors, Ruah stressed the importance of being both accommodating and assertive.
Ruah highlighted the significance of fundamental professionalism, such as punctuality, while also underscoring the importance of setting boundaries. She encouraged actors to prioritize their well-being and not hesitate to decline requests that could negatively impact their health or performance.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of the industry, Ruah noted that while it’s common for professionals to make 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 remains 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.
