Mark Harmon, known for his role in NCIS, had his reservations about adding a new member to the cast. By the time Cote de Pablo joined the show as Ziva David in the third season, Harmon had already built strong relationships with co-stars Michael Weatherly and Pauley Perrette. He was initially wary of changing the dynamic of the ensemble.
Harmon expressed his concerns, noting that “chemistry is a big intangible in television,” and replacing a key figure could be unsettling. However, his doubts quickly faded when he saw de Pablo’s dedication and professionalism. “I watched her interact on set, and she just exuded a genuine, hardworking attitude,” Harmon recalled. “Cote was exactly who she was every day, and that impressed me.”
Cote de Pablo, who initially felt nervous about joining NCIS, was unaware of the strong impression she made during her audition. Although she felt pressure after learning another actor had auditioned multiple times, she remained focused. During her screen test with Weatherly, she was caught off guard by his improvisation but managed to stay composed, which contributed to her eventual casting.
Producer Charles Floyd Johnson noted that de Pablo’s natural chemistry with Weatherly was a key factor in her getting the role. “When actors react authentically in the moment, sometimes magic happens,” Johnson said. The genuine connection between de Pablo and Weatherly was evident during their audition.
After the casting decision, NCIS creator Donald Bellisario asked Weatherly to give de Pablo a ride home. Despite her initial reluctance, this car ride turned into a bonding experience for the two actors. Weatherly, who had initially perceived de Pablo as distant, found her to be “deeply sweet” by the end of their conversation. The ride home became an opportunity for them to connect and start a strong working relationship.
Harmon, de Pablo, and Weatherly eventually developed a great on-screen chemistry that resonated with fans, proving that despite initial concerns, the addition of de Pablo was a perfect fit for the NCIS team.
