Cote de Pablo: From NCIS Star to Advocate and Musical Talent
Cote de Pablo, adored for her portrayal of Ziva David on NCIS, has become an integral part of the franchise. After joining the show in 2005 as the fierce Mossad agent, she made her last appearance in 2020. Fans of Ziva and her long-time love interest Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly) can rejoice, as the duo is set to return in a new spinoff, NCIS: Tony and Ziva, premiering on Paramount+ in 2025.
During her tenure on NCIS, the 45-year-old actress won accolades like the Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2006 and the ALMA Award for Favorite Television Actress in a Leading Role in 2011. While her on-screen life is widely celebrated, Cote’s off-screen story reveals a rich background in music, theater, and advocacy.
Early Life and Musical Theater Roots
Born María José de Pablo Fernández in Santiago, Chile, Cote moved to the U.S. at age 10 when her mother took a job at a Spanish-language television network in Miami. She adopted the nickname “Cote,” a common Chilean abbreviation for María José, to help classmates pronounce her name.
Cote attended New World School of the Arts in Florida, where she honed her love for musical theater. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Carnegie Mellon University in 2000, starring in productions like The Fantasticks and A Little Night Music. Before pursuing acting full-time, Cote co-hosted Univision’s Control at 15, interviewing notable figures in the Latin entertainment world. However, her passion for acting led her to New York City, where she landed roles in TV series such as The $treet, The Education of Max Bickford, and All My Children.
In 2005, Cote returned to her musical roots, starring as Dolores Fuentes in The Mambo Kings in San Francisco. Unfortunately, the production’s Broadway debut was canceled. Years later, in 2015, she showcased her singing talent again with a moving ballad, “Gracias a la Vida,” in the film The 33.
Advocacy for Cancer Awareness
Cote has also used her platform to raise awareness about cervical cancer. In 2015, she collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a PSA, drawing from her own cervical cancer scare. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted delaying a Pap smear until doctors expressed serious concerns. Fortunately, her results came back clear, but the experience was a wake-up call for her and her family.
“I’ve always been very close to my mother. When we finally got good results, she broke down,” Cote said in the PSA. “It’s not just about me—it’s about your loved ones, too. So, women, get a Pap test to check for cervical cancer.”
In a behind-the-scenes clip, she emphasized the importance of family and sharing information to help others. “We’ve lost a couple of people to cancer,” she revealed, underscoring why she’s committed to spreading awareness.
What’s Next for Cote?
As fans eagerly await NCIS: Tony and Ziva, Cote de Pablo continues to inspire with her talent, resilience, and dedication to causes close to her heart. From the stage to the screen—and beyond—she remains a beloved figure in and out of the spotlight.
