Today, we’re diving deep into the life of Cote de Pablo – the remarkable actress who brought Ziva David to life on NCIS. From her beginnings to her decision to leave the show and what she’s up to now, here’s everything you need to know.
1. Early Life and Acting Dreams
Cote de Pablo was born in Santiago, Chile, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 10. Even as a child, she had dreams of being on stage. While attending Carnegie Mellon University, she studied musical theater and quickly became known for her talent and passion. Her love for performing only grew, and she started working hard to make it in Hollywood.
2. The Role of a Lifetime: NCIS and Ziva David
In 2005, Cote landed the role of Ziva David on NCIS, changing her career forever. The fierce, multilingual Israeli Mossad officer was loved by fans, who admired her strength, loyalty, and complex background. Cote brought authenticity to the role, making Ziva a fan favorite and a key character on the show. Her chemistry with Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) was electric, sparking one of TV’s most iconic will-they-won’t-they relationships.
3. The Big Decision: Leaving NCIS
In 2013, Cote de Pablo made the tough decision to leave NCIS, which surprised and saddened fans worldwide. Cote has said she left due to creative differences and a desire to explore new challenges outside of the Ziva role. She wanted more depth for her character, and when she felt that wasn’t happening, she felt it was time to move on.
4. Life Beyond NCIS
Since NCIS, Cote has kept her career varied and exciting. She appeared in the disaster film The 33, which tells the story of Chilean miners trapped underground. She also starred in The Dovekeepers, a CBS miniseries based on Alice Hoffman’s historical novel. Cote’s range as an actress has shone through in these roles, as she brings intensity and authenticity to each new character.
5. A Surprise Return
In 2019, fans were thrilled to see Cote return as Ziva David in NCIS season 16 and 17. She reprised the role in a thrilling storyline that allowed her character to have a more fitting conclusion. Her return was short but impactful, giving fans the closure they wanted while showing how much Ziva – and Cote – still meant to the show.
6. What’s Next for Cote de Pablo?
Although she’s been keeping a low profile recently, Cote continues to be selective with her roles, choosing projects that resonate deeply with her. Fans eagerly await what she’ll do next, knowing she’s always committed to quality and purpose in her work. Whether she returns to the small screen, appears in films, or pursues music, her fans are ready to support her.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the untold story of Cote de Pablo’s life beyond NCIS. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more content about your favorite stars and shows!
