NCIS’ Cote de Pablo Breaks Her Silence on Mark Harmon – and the Real Reason She Walked Away From the Show

Curious World Staff

November 5, 2023

Cote de Pablo surprised fans with her return to NCIS at the end of Season 16. The Chilean-born actress first worked in television as a host before gaining fame as Ziva David-one of the show’s most beloved characters.

Early Life

Born María José de Pablo Fernández on November 12, 1979, she moved from Santiago, Chile, to Miami at age ten. Adjusting was tough: she missed home, struggled with English, and adopted the nickname “Cote” because classmates couldn’t pronounce her name. Performing arts school helped her find confidence, and her mother’s job at Telemundo gave her early exposure to the industry. De Pablo later studied acting and musical theater at Carnegie Mellon University.

Start in Television

After graduating in 2000, she anchored the show Control, acted in small TV roles, and performed in theater. Her big break came in 2005 when she was cast as Ziva David on NCIS. She quickly became a fan favorite and appeared in 189 episodes, winning an ALMA Award in 2011. The role was demanding-she once had only 48 hours to learn a monologue in Hebrew-but it helped define her career.

Bond with Mark Harmon

De Pablo formed a close friendship with Mark Harmon, describing him as a mentor and father figure. Their bond remained strong even after she left the show in 2013. Before her 2019 return, Harmon arranged a secret, emotional meeting with her and producers.

After NCIS

Following her departure, she appeared in The 33, The Dovekeepers, Prototype, and Seneca. She has also expressed interest in doing musicals.

In her personal life, de Pablo values vulnerability and humor in relationships. She previously dated actor Diego Serrano but is currently single and optimistic about future love. Her net worth is estimated at $6 million.

Cote de Pablo remains one of NCIS’s most cherished stars, and fans continue to hope for more from her in the future.