The Remarkable Journey of Cote de Pablo: From Chile to NCIS Stardom
Early Life and Struggles
Born as María José de Pablo Fernández on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile, Cote de Pablo moved to Miami, Florida, at the age of 10. The transition was a challenging experience for young Cote, who had to learn English and make new friends in a foreign land. Eventually, she chose the name “Cote” due to difficulties her classmates faced in pronouncing her birth name correctly.
“My years in America were defining. I found solace in the performing arts; it became a way to communicate in my new country,” Cote revealed in an interview.
A Natural Inclination Toward the Arts
Cote’s love for the arts was nurtured by her family; her mother worked for the Spanish-speaking channel Telemundo. Her affinity for performing was further fostered at a performing arts high school. By age 15, she was co-hosting episodes of a Latin-American talk show, “Control,” and later attended Carnegie Mellon University to study music and theatre.
The Making of Ziva David on NCIS
After appearing in various commercials and TV series like “All My Children” and “Fling,” Cote was cast as the tough and intelligent Ziva David on NCIS in 2005. She stayed on the show until 2013, making occasional returns thereafter but never as a regular.
“Ziva’s resilience mirrors my own, albeit in very different contexts,” Cote said. “She has to keep it together; that’s the world she’s from.”
Co-Star Camaraderie
Throughout her time on NCIS, Cote developed strong relationships with her co-stars, especially Mark Harmon. She refers to him as a mentor and a father figure, both on and off-screen.
“Our friendship has a solid foundation. We can go years without talking and still pick up right where we left off,” she noted.
Why She Left NCIS and What’s Next
Cote left the show out of respect for her character and to explore other opportunities. Post-NCIS, she has been a part of other projects like “The 33,” “Prototype,” and “Seneca.”
Personal Insights
At 42, Cote is not married but has clear ideas about her ideal partner. She values vulnerability, fun, and especially laughter in a relationship.
“Things will come when the time is right,” she said in an interview.
A Lasting Legacy
Though she’s no longer a part of NCIS, Cote de Pablo’s character Ziva David remains one of the most beloved figures on the show. Her journey from a Chilean immigrant to a celebrated actress is an inspiring tale of overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities.