She’s the name that still brings a smile to NCIS fans around the world. Cote de Pablo isn’t just another actress who made it big—she’s a trailblazer, a voice for bilingual talent, and someone who continues to inspire millions. Whether you first saw her as Ziva David or heard her sing in a concert hall, Cote has left a mark that’s hard to forget.

Now, years after her departure from NCIS, people are still curious about what she’s up to, how she got here, and what made her such a beloved figure in pop culture. So, if you're wondering what happened to Ziva David or why Cote de Pablo stepped away from the spotlight, you're not alone. Let’s take a closer look at the woman behind one of the most iconic TV characters of the 2000s.

From her early days in Chile to becoming a household name in the U.S., Cote’s journey is one of grit, talent, and resilience. And guess what? There’s more to her than just NCIS. Let’s dive into her story, her career, and yes, even her personal life.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Cote de Pablo
• Personal Details & Bio Data
• Career Highlights
• Life After NCIS
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo was born in Santiago, Chile, but grew up in Miami, Florida. So, even though her roots are in South America, her childhood was all-American, with a strong Latin flavor. She went to Arvida Middle School in Miami before heading off to Carnegie Mellon University to study drama. That’s right—before becoming a TV star, she was a theater kid with big dreams.

Her early years were filled with hard work, learning the ropes of acting and performance. She didn’t come from a showbiz family, so every step she took was earned through talent and determination. And it paid off. In 2003, she landed the role that would change her life—Ziva David on NCIS.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Career Highlights

Cote de Pablo became a household name thanks to her role as Ziva David on NCIS. She played the Israeli Mossad officer turned NCIS agent for eight seasons, appearing in a total of 194 episodes. Her character was smart, strong, and emotionally layered—something that made her stand out in a male-dominated genre like crime drama.

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What made Ziva so special wasn’t just her skills in hand-to-hand combat or her sharp wit—it was her vulnerability. She showed a side of Mossad that most TV shows never touched on. And Cote brought that depth to life in a way that resonated with fans. She wasn’t just a sidekick; she was a central part of the team.

Her departure from NCIS came as a shock to many. Just before season 11 was set to start filming, she decided to leave the show. It was a decision that surprised even her co-stars. Some say it was time for a change. Others believe it was a creative difference. Either way, it marked the end of an era for NCIS fans.

Life After NCIS

Since leaving NCIS, Cote de Pablo has kept a relatively low profile. She’s appeared in a few roles, but nothing that’s quite matched the popularity of Ziva David. She’s also focused more on her music career, which is something she was passionate about long before NCIS.

Interestingly, she’s not very active on social media, which is pretty rare for someone of her fame. She seems to prefer a more private life, away from the spotlight. That said, fans still keep tabs on her. When she does make an appearance or share something personal, it always makes headlines.

There have been rumors over the years about a possible return to NCIS or even a spin-off centered around Ziva. Nothing’s confirmed, but fans keep the hope alive. After all, Ziva was more than just a character—she was a symbol of strength, resilience, and loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Cote de Pablo leave NCIS?

She left the show just before season 11 began filming. While the exact reasons weren’t made public, reports suggest it was due to contract negotiations and creative differences. She felt it was time to move on and explore other opportunities.

Is Cote de Pablo still acting?

She has taken on a few roles since leaving NCIS, but she’s not as active in Hollywood as she once was. She’s focused more on music and personal projects, often choosing to stay out of the public eye.

Will Cote de Pablo return to NCIS?

There have been rumors and fan speculation about her coming back, especially since the show has brought back other characters in guest appearances. So far, nothing has been officially announced, but fans still hold out hope.

If you're curious about other actors who’ve left long-running shows and how they’ve reinvented themselves, you might want to check out our piece on actors who left hit TV shows and where they are now. It’s fascinating to see how people evolve after their big break.

And if you're interested in how TV shows handle cast departures and character exits, you can learn more about the dynamics behind the scenes right here.