When Cote De Pablo joined “NCIS” in its third season as Special Agent Ziva David, fans were both thrilled and a bit cautious about the new addition. However, the Chilean-American actress quickly won over hearts and became an integral part of the show, staying for over eight years. So, when she unexpectedly departed in 2013, viewers were left puzzled and eager for answers regarding her departure.
Initially, Cote kept the reasons behind her decision under wraps. But in 2016, she opened up about her dissatisfaction with the direction her character was taking on the show. She revealed, “Unfortunately, due to various factors such as political disagreements and unsatisfactory scripts, I chose not to return to NCIS.”
Expressing her deep connection to the character, she further explained, “I love this character! I dedicated eight years to shaping Ziva, and when I felt like she wasn’t being treated with the respect she deserved… they were planning to send her back to Israel and portray her as a miserable woman. I didn’t think it was fair.”
Her sudden exit left her co-star, David McCallum, feeling frustrated and bewildered. He shared with Digital Spy, “It was frustrating and upsetting to see someone just walk out on us. I couldn’t comprehend how a leading actress in a globally recognized show would abruptly leave.”
While CBS executives expressed reluctance to see her depart, they ultimately respected her decision. Despite her initial statement, Cote did return for guest appearances in seasons 16 and 17. Later, she clarified her earlier remarks in a 2019 USA Today piece, stating, “I think my previous statement was misunderstood. I didn’t leave because I wanted to or because I was tired. I didn’t really have a choice.”
Cote’s departure and subsequent return to “NCIS” sparked significant discussion among fans, but her impact on the show remains undeniable.
