Cote de Pablo, known for her role as Ziva David on NCIS, has a fascinating journey. Born María José de Pablo in Santiago, Chile, she moved to Miami at age 10 when her mother got a job with Telemundo. Adapting to a new country and learning English from scratch, Cote found her passion for the arts, attending performing arts schools and eventually graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in musical theater.
Her big break came in 2005 when she landed the role of Ziva David, an Israeli Mossad officer, on NCIS. This role earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Despite her success, Cote left the show in 2013, with her departure shrouded in mystery. She briefly returned in 2019, delighting fans with her reprisal of the beloved character.
Outside of NCIS, Cote has maintained a private life, choosing roles selectively and staying away from social media. She faced personal challenges, including a significant weight gain due to birth control and the heartbreak of losing her grandmother to cancer. These experiences have shaped her into the resilient person she is today.
Though not frequently seen on screen, Cote’s NCIS success has afforded her the freedom to choose meaningful roles. Her story is one of perseverance and dedication, both in her career and personal life.