Cote de Pablo, renowned as NCIS’s Ziva David, achieved household fame since her Season 3 entrance, solidifying her place in the iconic crime show’s legacy. Her journey from audition to stardom, however, almost didn’t materialize. Following Sasha Alexander’s departure in Season 3, NCIS urgently sought a new female lead. Casting director Susan Bluestein, impressed by Cote’s work in “The Jury,” brought her in, sensing an ideal fit. The chemistry between Cote and Michael Weatherly, who portrayed Tony, was immediate and powerful, noted by casting head Peter Golden.

Yet, show creator Donald P. Bellisario wasn’t immediately convinced, favoring a different choice for Ziva. Although he admired Cote as an actress, he had reservations. Thankfully, Cote’s impactful audition won over other decision-makers, eventually swaying Bellisario himself.

Cote’s portrayal of Ziva wasn’t instantly embraced by audiences, taking time for her character’s dynamic with Tony to resonate. Despite her initial departure in 2013, she returned for a surprise stint in 2019, offering closure to Ziva’s narrative. Her exit marked a turning point, triggering subsequent departures of major cast members. The legacy of Cote de Pablo and her portrayal of Ziva endures as a vital chapter in NCIS’s 20-year history.