Why did Cote de Pablo Leave NCIS?

Cote de Pablo, a Chilean-American actress and singer, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her compelling portrayal of Ziva David on the hit CBS television series NCIS.

However, her departure from the show in 2013 left fans wondering why she chose to bid farewell to her beloved character.

De Pablo’s portrayal of Ziva, a strong and complex Israeli woman, resonated deeply with viewers and had a significant cultural impact.

Her presence as a main cast member on a popular American TV show highlighted the importance of fair representation in media, particularly for Israeli-Jewish and women’s representation.

In a 2016 Q&A, de Pablo shed light on the circumstances surrounding her departure and revealed that the original plan for Ziva’s exit would have left her character in a state of misery and despair.

Unwilling to do a disservice to the women who had followed and admired Ziva’s journey, de Pablo made the difficult decision to leave the show.

“I didn’t leave because I wanted to go or because I was ready or because I was tired. I didn’t really have an option,” she explained.

Despite her departure, de Pablo’s love for the character and the show left the door open for a potential return in the future.

True to her word, de Pablo made a surprise unannounced return to NCIS in the last scene of the season 16 finale, which aired on May 21, 2019

. The unexpected comeback delighted fans and reignited speculation about Ziva’s fate, showcasing de Pablo’s enduring connection to the iconic role.