Cote de Pablo, the Chile-born actress who sent shockwaves through the “NCIS” fanbase with her unexpected return in Season 16, has a career trajectory that extends beyond her iconic role as Ziva David. Her journey into the entertainment industry began with a different role – that of a television host.
Born as María José de Pablo Fernández on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile, Cote moved to Miami, Florida, with her family at the age of ten. Adapting to a new language and environment, she changed her name to “Cote,” a common Chilean nickname.
De Pablo’s transition to the U.S. was challenging, missing her homeland and friends deeply. Yet, attending a performing arts high school allowed her to explore creativity, paving the way for her interest in the arts. Her mother’s job at Telemundo, a Spanish-speaking television channel, further influenced her entry into the world of television.
She pursued higher education in music and theater at Carnegie Mellon University, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Following graduation, she quickly entered show business, hosting the Latin-themed talk show “Control” and participating in smaller theatre productions in New York City.
In 2005, de Pablo landed the breakthrough role of Officer Ziva David in the crime drama series “NCIS,” captivating audiences with her portrayal of the strong and complex character. Over eight years, she starred in 189 episodes, garnering acclaim and awards for her outstanding performance.
Her departure from “NCIS” in 2013 stirred curiosity, and de Pablo later revealed that it was influenced by a combination of factors, including a desire to respect her character and dissatisfaction with political and script issues. However, the surprise return in 2016 for a brief stint delighted fans.
The bond between de Pablo and her co-star Mark Harmon, who portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs, went beyond the screen. Despite rumors of a romantic involvement, de Pablo clarified that Harmon was more of a friend and mentor, describing their relationship as that of a father figure.
In 2019, when de Pablo returned to “NCIS,” a secret meeting with Harmon before her comeback highlighted the genuine and heartfelt connection they shared. The actress spoke fondly of their reunion, emphasizing the solid foundation of their friendship.
Beyond her television success, de Pablo has ventured into film with projects like “The 33” and “Prototype.” Her aspirations include exploring musicals, leveraging her background in acting and music.
As for her personal life, de Pablo dated actor Diego Serrano from 2000 to 2015. While currently not romantically involved, she envisions starting a family in the future, emphasizing the importance of finding a partner who can balance and counterbalance her.
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Cote de Pablo’s net worth at $6 million, reflecting her impactful and enduring presence in the entertainment industry. As fans eagerly anticipate her future projects, de Pablo’s legacy as one of the most beloved characters in “NCIS” remains strong, and her journey continues to unfold with promise and potential.
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