“When Cote De Pablo first joined NCIS in season three as Special Agent Ziva David, fans were filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. However, the Chilean-American actress quickly won over audiences, becoming a beloved staple of the show for over eight years. So, when she unexpectedly departed in 2013, fans were left puzzled and eager for answers.
Initially, De Pablo remained tight-lipped about her reasons for leaving. However, in 2016, she finally opened up about her decision, citing dissatisfaction with the direction her character was taking. She revealed, ‘Unfortunately, due to various factors such as political disagreements and unsatisfactory scripts, I chose not to return to NCIS.’
Expressing her deep attachment to Ziva, she lamented, ‘I love this character! I dedicated eight years to crafting 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 departure left her co-star, David McCallum, baffled and disheartened. He expressed his frustration, stating, ‘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 go, they ultimately respected De Pablo’s decision. Despite her initial statement, she did return for guest appearances in seasons 16 and 17. Later, in a 2019 USA Today piece, she clarified her earlier remarks, 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.’
De Pablo’s departure and subsequent return sparked intense discussion among fans, but her impact on NCIS remains undeniable.”
