At 45, Cote de Pablo has finally addressed the long-standing speculation surrounding her exit from NCIS in 2013, where she played the beloved Ziva David for eight seasons. Fans had long suspected that creative differences and dissatisfaction with her character’s arc were the reasons for her abrupt departure. In a recent interview, de Pablo confirmed these suspicions, revealing that she felt Ziva’s storyline was not being handled with the depth and authenticity she had hoped for, prompting her to step away despite the show’s massive success.

The actress also shared that her decision was influenced by a desire to explore new creative avenues, a choice that left many fans heartbroken but curious about her next steps. De Pablo admitted that leaving NCIS was one of the hardest decisions of her career, as she had formed deep bonds with the cast and crew, particularly with co-stars like Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly. However, she felt it was necessary to prioritize her artistic integrity over staying in a role that no longer felt true to her vision for Ziva.

Now, over a decade later, de Pablo reflects on her journey with a sense of peace, noting that her brief return to NCIS in 2019 and the subsequent spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva allowed her to give Ziva the closure she deserved. At 45, she’s embracing new projects while appreciating the fan support that has kept Ziva’s legacy alive. Her candid admission has reignited discussions among fans, many of whom admire her for standing by her principles, even at the height of her fame.