Why ‘NCIS’ Star Cote de Pablo Almost Didn’t Play Ziva

Cote de Pablo nearly passed up the opportunity to play Ziva David, one of the most iconic characters in *NCIS*, due to initial reservations about the role. In interviews, de Pablo has shared that when she first auditioned for the part, she wasn’t sure if the character or the show was the right fit for her. At the time, Ziva’s character hadn’t been fully developed, and de Pablo felt uncertain about taking on such a pivotal role in an established series like *NCIS*. However, after meeting with the producers and learning more about the character’s depth and complexity, she decided to take the leap.

Even after accepting the role, de Pablo faced challenges in bringing Ziva to life, particularly in capturing her unique blend of toughness and vulnerability. The actress admitted that it took time to fully embody the Israeli Mossad officer, but her portrayal quickly won over both the cast and the audience. Ultimately, de Pablo’s decision to trust her instincts paid off, as Ziva became one of the most beloved characters in the show’s history.