In the world of television, actors are often lauded for their dramatic performances, but what happens when an actor’s commitment goes beyond the script and into the realm of real-life action? For Cote de Pablo, the star who brought the formidable and beloved character of Ziva David to life on NCIS, this was not just a one-time event but a core part of her identity as an artist. Her dedication to the role was so profound that she often performed many of her own stunts, a commitment that was on full display during the filming of the new spinoff series, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. In a powerful moment that perfectly encapsulates her fearless spirit, de Pablo recalled a moment when she stepped in for a stunt double, simply telling the director, “Yes, let’s do it.”
This anecdote, shared at a red carpet event for the new Paramount+ series, offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of action television. It’s not just a story of a celebrity doing something brave; it’s a testament to the trust, professionalism, and creative passion that define a great production. The fact that de Pablo, who has spent years perfecting Ziva’s intricate fight choreography, was willing to jump into a physically demanding sequence on the fly speaks volumes about her dedication to the role and her confidence in her own abilities.
The Physicality of Ziva David
Before delving into the specific stunt, it’s crucial to understand why Ziva David became such a fan-favorite character. She was more than a highly-skilled agent; she was a force of nature. A former Mossad officer, Ziva was an expert in hand-to-hand combat, weapons, and tactical operations. Cote de Pablo’s portrayal was so convincing because she herself was a disciplined and physically adept actress. From her very first episode, she was doing her own fight scenes, often training for hours to perfect the complex choreography.
This commitment to authenticity was a major reason why the character resonated with audiences. Viewers weren’t just watching an actor; they were watching a person who was fully embodying the physicality and training of a real-life agent. This established a high bar for her performance, a bar she was always willing to meet and exceed. The “Let’s Do It” moment is a natural extension of this long-standing commitment.
The Moment on the Tony & Ziva Set
According to de Pablo’s own account, the specific incident took place during the filming of the first episode of NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The show, which follows the couple as they travel across Europe, is filled with action sequences and high-octane drama. As de Pablo explained, there had already been a “couple of accidents” on set, and her stunt doubles had to “stand down.”
With a scene needing to be completed, the director turned to her and asked, “Can we finish it with you?” Without hesitation, de Pablo responded with the now-iconic phrase: “Yes, let’s do it.” This simple, confident reply shows her immense trust in the production team and her own physical capabilities. It’s a moment of pure professional courage, where the actor stepped up to ensure the show’s vision could be fully realized.
The scene wasn’t a major, high-risk stunt, as de Pablo noted, “most of the big stunts were obviously done.” This makes her willingness even more significant. It wasn’t about a career-defining moment; it was about the small, everyday acts of dedication that make a production run smoothly. It shows that she wasn’t just in it for the big, flashy moments but for the intricate details that make a performance truly great.
A Partnership Built on Trust
This story also highlights the unique partnership between Cote de Pablo and her co-star, Michael Weatherly. The two have an incredible off-screen friendship, and their on-screen chemistry as Tony and Ziva is legendary. The trust between them is a cornerstone of their performance. In a separate interview, de Pablo mentioned that when filming intimate scenes, they didn’t feel the need for an intimacy coordinator because of their deep-seated trust and friendship.
This same level of trust extends to the action sequences. Weatherly and de Pablo often rehearsed their own fight scenes and, as a team, they were committed to making the action as believable as possible. Their shared history and mutual respect created an environment where de Pablo felt comfortable and safe enough to take on a stunt when the situation called for it. It’s a testament to the fact that when a cast and crew are in sync, they can achieve incredible things.
The Legacy of Ziva and the Future of Tony & Ziva
The decision to return to the character of Ziva David was not one that Cote de Pablo took lightly. After her departure from NCIS in 2013, she spent years living a more private life. But the pull of the character and the opportunity to tell a new story with Michael Weatherly was too strong to resist. The “Let’s Do It” moment is a beautiful metaphor for her return to the role. She’s not just coming back to play a character; she’s returning to the physical and emotional demands of the role with the same level of commitment and passion that she had from the very beginning.
The NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff is a new chapter in a long-standing story, and the fact that its star is still willing to go above and beyond for the sake of the craft is a powerful message to fans. It reminds us that Ziva David’s resilience and her fearless spirit are not just written on a page; they are embodied by the actress who plays her. The moment she stepped in for a stunt double is more than just a memory; it’s a promise to fans that she will continue to give everything she has to the character that means so much to them. It’s a true act of artistic courage, and it’s a perfect example of why Cote de Pablo is a true star.
