You’ve probably seen David Paul Olsen a hundred times without ever actually seeing his face. It’s a weird way to have a career, isn't it? One day you’re jumping off a building in a tactical vest, and the next, you’re the guy everyone is Googling because of who you’re married to. People usually find their way to him through a game of "six degrees of separation" involving the long-running CBS hit NCIS: Los Angeles.
He’s a stuntman. He’s an actor. He’s a former Navy SEAL. Honestly, he’s basically the real-life version of the action heroes we see on screen, but without the ego that usually comes with a Hollywood paycheck. While his brother, Eric Christian Olsen, was busy playing the charming Marty Deeks, David was the one doing the literal heavy lifting in the background.
The Dual Life of David Paul Olsen: Actor and Stunt Double
Most fans of the NCIS franchise know that David Paul Olsen actor and stunt specialist spent years doubling for his younger brother, Eric. It’s the ultimate family business. If Deeks took a punch or flew through a window, that was likely David.
But calling him "just a stuntman" feels like a bit of a snub. To do stunts at this level, you have to be an athlete, a choreographer, and a bit of a daredevil. David brought a specific grit to his work that came from his background in the military. He didn't just "act" like he knew how to handle a weapon or clear a room; he actually knew how to do it.
He has appeared in plenty of other projects too. We’re talking The Back-up Plan, Swiss Army Man, and even Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. His resume is a massive list of high-adrenaline sets. Usually, when a production needs someone who can look physically imposing while also understanding the technical mechanics of a fight scene, David is the guy they call. It’s not just about the fall; it’s about the timing. If you’re a fraction of a second off, someone goes to the hospital. David is known for being precise.
Why the NCIS Connection is So Fascinating
Here is where it gets a little meta.
On NCIS: Los Angeles, David’s brother Eric played Marty Deeks. Marty Deeks’ love interest (and eventual wife) was Kensi Blye, played by Daniela Ruah. In real life? David is the one married to Daniela Ruah.
Think about that for a second.
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Eric had to film romantic scenes with his real-life sister-in-law, while his brother—the guy actually married to her—was often standing ten feet away, potentially dressed exactly like Eric. That is the kind of "only in Hollywood" situation that makes for great dinner party stories. By all accounts, the trio handled it with a lot of humor and professionalism. They are a tight-knit family unit.
David and Daniela met on set. It wasn't some flashy red-carpet meeting; it was just work. Eric actually played matchmaker. He saw two people he loved and thought they’d fit together. He was right. They married in 2014 in Portugal (Ruah’s home country) and have two kids now, River and Sierra.
Beyond the Stunt Harness
David Paul Olsen isn't the type of guy to chase the paparazzi. You won't find him posting "day in the life" TikToks or trying to sell you a crypto course. He’s low-key. He’s private.
Maybe that’s why the "David Paul Olsen actor" search term is so popular—people are trying to figure out the man behind the mask. He represents a specific breed of Hollywood professional: the blue-collar elite. These are the guys who make the stars look good. They get the bruises and the broken ribs so the lead actor can keep their face pretty for the close-up.
- Military Background: His time as a SEAL is foundational. It’s why he moves the way he does.
- Physicality: He’s 6’2” and built like a tank, which helps when you're doubling for someone like Eric who is also tall but leaner.
- The Actor Factor: He has transitioned into more "face" roles over the years, proving he can deliver lines just as well as he can deliver a roundhouse kick.
The Technical Reality of Being a Stunt Actor
People think stunts are just about being "tough." It’s actually math.
When David is working on a sequence, he’s calculating trajectories. He’s looking at the frame rate of the camera. He’s thinking about the "hit." If the camera is at a certain angle, he knows he has to sell the punch differently than if it were a wide shot. It is a technical craft.
His work in The Nun (2018) or Big Little Lies shows the range. He can do the horror stuff, the prestige drama stuff, and the big-budget explosion stuff. He isn't pigeonholed. That’s rare in the stunt world, where guys often get stuck doing "car stuff" or "fire stuff" forever.
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What People Get Wrong About Him
The biggest misconception is that he’s just "Eric’s brother."
Sure, the family connection helped him get his foot in the door on certain sets, but you don't stay in the stunt business for two decades because of nepotism. You stay because you’re reliable. If you’re a liability on set, you’re gone. The insurance costs for these movies are too high to keep someone around just because of their last name.
David has earned his spot through hundreds of hours of grueling physical work. He’s the guy who arrives first and leaves last.
Another thing? People assume he wants the limelight. Honestly, from everything his colleagues say, he seems perfectly happy being the guy in the shadows. He gets the thrill of the action without the headache of being a "celebrity" in the traditional sense. He can go to the grocery store without being mobbed, which, considering his wife’s fame, is probably a blessing.
Why David Paul Olsen Matters in the 2026 Industry
As we move further into an era where CGI is used for everything, the "real" guys like David are becoming more valuable. Audiences can tell when a body is digital. They can feel the lack of weight. When you see David Paul Olsen hit a mat or swing a lead pipe, you feel the impact.
He’s a reminder of the "old school" way of making movies.
His career path is a blueprint for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce. He took the skills he learned in the SEALs—discipline, physical tactical awareness, teamwork—and applied them to a creative field. It’s a pivot that worked perfectly.
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A Quick Look at the Stats (For the Nerds)
If you look at his IMDb, it’s a dizzying list of credits. We’re talking over 50 stunt credits and a growing list of acting roles. He’s played everything from "Construction Worker" to "Leading Man's Double."
- NCIS: Los Angeles (2010–2023): His longest-running gig.
- Remind Me (Upcoming/Recent): Showing more of his acting chops.
- The Mentalist: Another classic procedural where he put in the work.
He’s a workhorse. Pure and simple.
The Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you’re interested in the world of David Paul Olsen, don't just look at his acting credits. Watch the credits of your favorite action movies for the stunt coordinators and doubles. That’s where the real movie magic happens.
If you want to follow his career, keep an eye on his collaborations with his wife, Daniela Ruah. They often support each other's projects, and she frequently shares glimpses of their life—and his occasional behind-the-scenes work—on her social media.
To really appreciate what he does, go back and watch an early episode of NCIS: LA. Look at the fight scenes. Now that you know it’s Eric’s brother doing the stunts, the chemistry and the "vibe" of those scenes take on a whole new meaning. It’s a family legacy built on hard hits and silent work.
Next Steps for You:
Start by following David’s wife, Daniela Ruah, on Instagram for the most authentic updates on their family life, as David himself stays off the grid. If you’re a film buff, check out the documentary The Stunt Life or similar behind-the-scenes features on action films to understand the level of training David had to undergo. Finally, the next time you watch an action sequence, wait for the credits. Look for the "Stunt Double" names. That’s where you’ll find the people like David Paul Olsen who actually make Hollywood move.