Cote de Pablo: From NCIS Star to Executive Producer
PARIS, 17 January 2026 – Cote de Pablo, the Chilean-American actress who captivated global audiences as Mossad-turned-NCIS agent Ziva David, remains a defining figure in television. While her decade-long run on the CBS procedural cemented her fame, her career has evolved to include film, music, and behind-the-scenes roles, most recently culminating in the 2025 Paramount+ series NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born María José de Pablo Fernández in Santiago, Chile, on 12 November 1979, de Pablo moved to Miami, Florida, at age ten. Her entertainment career began early, co-hosting the Latin-American talk show Control at 15. After studying musical theatre at Carnegie Mellon University, she moved to New York City, taking on roles in series like The $treet and The Jury before her career-defining audition for NCIS in 2005.
The Legacy of Ziva David
De Pablo portrayed Special Agent Ziva David from 2005 to 2013, becoming a series regular and fan favourite. Her portrayal of the strong, complex Israeli agent earned her critical acclaim, including an ALMA Award in 2011. Her departure from the show after season 11 was attributed to creative differences regarding her character’s direction. In a surprise to fans, she returned for a multi-episode arc in season 17 (2019-2020), which revealed Ziva had faked her death and was in hiding.
Key Facts & Career Timeline
| Year | Key Project / Event |
|---|---|
| 2005-2013 | Main cast member as Ziva David on NCIS. |
| 2015 | Starred in film The 33 and miniseries The Dovekeepers. |
| 2019-2020 | Returned to NCIS for a four-episode story arc in season 17. |
| 2024 | Announced to reprise role alongside Michael Weatherly in spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva. |
| September 2025 | NCIS: Tony & Ziva premiered on Paramount+ for a 10-episode season. |
Recent Work: NCIS: Tony & Ziva
The most significant recent development in de Pablo’s career was the 2025 Paramount+ series NCIS: Tony & Ziva. She reprised her role as Ziva David and served as an executive producer alongside former co-star Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo). The series followed the couple and their daughter, Tali, living in Paris, forced on the run across Europe after an attack on Tony’s security company. The first season concluded in October 2025. In late 2025, it was announced the series would not be returning for a second season.
Beyond Acting: Music and Philanthropy
De Pablo is also a trained singer. She performed “Temptation” on NCIS and contributed to the official soundtrack. While rumours of a music album have circulated, no official release has been confirmed. She maintains a relatively private personal life but is known to support philanthropic causes related to children, education, and environmental protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cote de Pablo doing now in 2026?
Following the conclusion of NCIS: Tony & Ziva in late 2025, de Pablo’s next professional project has not been officially announced. She is focusing on her personal life, having recently become a mother.
Is Cote de Pablo married?
De Pablo keeps her romantic life private. She was previously in a long-term relationship with actor Diego Serrano. Recent reports indicate she is now married and a mother.
Why did she leave NCIS originally?
De Pablo left NCIS in 2013. She has stated that creative differences regarding her character’s direction were a primary factor, wanting Ziva to remain a strong figure for fans rather than be written as “an unfortunate, miserable woman.”
Will she return to NCIS again?
While her 2019-2020 return was well-received, there are no current plans for another appearance on the flagship NCIS series. Her story with Tony DiNozzo was concluded in their 2025 spinoff.