David Paul Olsen is an American stunt performer and actor known for his physical performance work across television and film. While millions of viewers recognize his stunt work in action-heavy network dramas like CBS’s NCIS: Los Angeles, others know him through his close family connections within the entertainment industry.
As the older brother of actor Eric Christian Olsen and husband to actress Daniela Ruah, David occupies a distinct position in Hollywood—working directly in high-risk physical performance while maintaining a steady presence behind the camera.
Quick Facts: David Paul Olsen
| Fact / Detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Paul Olsen |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Moline, Illinois, United States |
| Primary Profession | Stunt Performer, Actor |
| Notable Work | NCIS: Los Angeles, Swiss Army Man, Bones |
| Spouse | Daniela Ruah (m. 2014) |
| Children | River Isaac Ruah Olsen, Sierra Esther Ruah Olsen |
| Siblings | Eric Christian Olsen (Younger Brother) |
| Parents | Jeanne Olsen, Paul Olsen |
Early Life and Background
David Paul Olsen was born on January 2, 1976, in Moline, Illinois. He spent his childhood in the American Midwest, raised by his parents, Jeanne and Paul Olsen. His mother worked as a chaplain, while his father served as a professor of English and head track coach at Augustana College.
Growing up alongside his younger brother, Eric Christian Olsen, David was exposed early on to sports and athletics. That athletic baseline eventually laid the foundation for his future career in professional stunt double work, where spatial awareness, endurance, and physical control are mandatory daily requirements.
Career Milestones in Stunt Work and Acting
David entered professional stunt work around 2006. Rather than aiming solely for traditional acting roles, he specialized in high-impact physical execution, precision movement, and double work for lead actors.
2006 ──► Enters Professional Stunt Industry
2010 ──► Joins NCIS: Los Angeles Stunt Crew
2014 ──► Marries NCIS: LA Co-Star Daniela Ruah
2016 ──► Expands Film Credits (e.g., Swiss Army Man)
2023 ──► Concludes Multi-Year Work on NCIS: Los Angeles Franchise
The NCIS: Los Angeles Connection
His most prominent long-term project was CBS’s procedural drama NCIS: Los Angeles. Over multiple seasons, David worked as a primary stunt double on set. His presence on the show created a rare family dynamic: he doubled for his real-life brother, Eric Christian Olsen, who played Special Agent Marty Deeks.
Because of their shared build and facial structure, David was able to perform complex tactical sequences, falls, and fight choreography seamlessly in place of Eric, keeping the show’s action consistent.
Selected Film and Television Credits
Beyond long-term work on NCIS: Los Angeles, David built an extensive resume across television series and feature films:
- Television Work: The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, Bones, and Aquarius (stunt double for Grey Damon).
- Feature Films: Stunt performances in Swiss Army Man, The Back-up Plan, and G-Force.
In addition to stunt doubling, David occasionally appeared on-screen in minor acting roles or cameo appearances within the projects he worked on, combining line delivery with physical performance.
Personal Life and Family
David’s personal life is closely intertwined with his professional environment. Through the set of NCIS: Los Angeles, he met Portuguese-American actress Daniela Ruah, who starred as Special Agent Kensi Blye.
The couple was introduced in part by David’s brother, Eric, who played Ruah’s on-screen love interest. What began as a introduction on set led to a long-term relationship.
[Jeanne Olsen] + [Paul Olsen]
|
+-------------+-------------+
| |
[David Paul Olsen] [Eric Christian Olsen]
(Stunt Performer) (Actor)
| |
(m. 2014) (m. 2012)
| |
[Daniela Ruah] [Sarah Wright]
Marriage and Children
David Paul Olsen and Daniela Ruah were married in June 2014 in a private ceremony in Portugal. The couple has two children:
- River Isaac Ruah Olsen (born December 2013)
- Sierra Esther Ruah Olsen (born September 2016)
The family maintains a relatively private life outside of professional red-carpet events and occasional public statements regarding their charitable involvement and personal milestones.
How This Was Researched
I researched this biography using public film and television databases, broadcast production notes, and verified press interviews with the Olsen family. Where details regarding specific athletic credentials or uncredited stunt work were unconfirmed across primary records, I omitted them rather than guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is David Paul Olsen related to Eric Christian Olsen?
David Paul Olsen is the older brother of actor Eric Christian Olsen. They worked together on NCIS: Los Angeles, where David served as Eric’s stunt double.
Who is David Paul Olsen married to?
David married actress Daniela Ruah in June 2014. Ruah co-starred alongside David’s brother Eric on NCIS: Los Angeles.
Did David Paul Olsen act on NCIS: Los Angeles?
While primarily serving as a stunt double for the series, David also appeared in guest roles in specific episodes, performing both dialogue and action sequences.
What is David Paul Olsen’s estimated net worth as of 2026?
As of 2026, public industry estimates place David Paul Olsen’s net worth at an estimated $1 million to $3 million, primarily earned through two decades of professional stunt coordination, double work, and television residuals. Net worth figures remain unverified estimates
Accuracy Note: This biography is based on publicly available information, including verified entertainment news coverage and public production records. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, please let us know so we can update it.
Written and researched by Hassan, contributor at ntx magazine.
Written by Hassan, founder and editor of NTX Magazine — an independent news and biography publication. Every article is researched and cross-checked against multiple public sources before publishing; see our Sourcing Standards page for details.