Some characters are written to be unforgettable. Others become legends because of the person who plays them. In the case of NCIS, Ziva David is both — and that’s all thanks to Cote de Pablo.
Introduced in Season 3, Ziva was unlike any character the series had seen before. A former Mossad agent with a razor-sharp mind, lethal skills, and a deeply guarded heart, she quickly went from outsider to fan favorite. But it was Cote de Pablo’s fierce, layered performance that made her iconic.
She wasn’t just tough — she was vulnerable. She wasn’t just mysterious — she was real.
For nearly a decade, Ziva carried some of the show’s most emotional storylines: the death of her father, her internal conflict about identity, and her slow-burn romance with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) that became one of the most beloved relationships in TV history.
When Cote left the show in 2013, fans were devastated. Her absence left a Ziva-shaped hole in the NCIS universe. But when she made a surprise return in Season 16 — with that unforgettable line, “Hello, Gibbs. No time for pleasantries…” — the internet exploded. Millions tuned in. And just like that, Ziva was back.
Though her return was brief, the impact was massive. It reminded the world that Ziva David isn’t just a fan favorite — she’s family.
Cote de Pablo has since kept a low profile, but the announcement of the upcoming Tony & Ziva spinoff has fans counting down the days. Because no matter how much time passes, when it comes to Ziva David, there’s only one name that belongs in the role — Cote de Pablo.
