Happy Birthday, Cote de Pablo! Honoring the Star Who Brought Ziva David to Life!!!!
Cote de Pablo, born María José de Pablo Fernández on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile, is a Chilean-American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Ziva David on the long-running American TV series NCIS, where she played the tough, intelligent, and complex Mossad agent from 2005 to 2013, and then returned for guest appearances in later seasons.
Early Life and Education
Cote was born into a family with a rich cultural background. Her father, Francisco de Pablo, is a Chilean who worked as a businessman, while her mother, Maria Olga Fernández, is a former model. The family moved to the United States when Cote was a teenager, and she was raised in Miami, Florida.
Cote showed an early interest in performing arts and pursued her passion for acting and singing. She studied musical theater at Boston University‘s prestigious School of Music. While there, she honed her vocal and acting skills, which later led to her successful career in television and film.
Career Beginnings
Before her breakout role in NCIS, Cote appeared in several TV shows, including a stint as a co-host on the Spanish-language talk show Control and guest spots on series like The Education of Max Bickford and The Jury. She also appeared in films like The 33 (2015), which told the story of the Chilean miners trapped underground in 2010, where she portrayed a journalist.
Breakthrough Role: Ziva David in NCIS
Cote’s most iconic role came when she joined NCIS in 2005 as Ziva David, a former Israeli Mossad agent who later becomes a key member of the NCIS team. Ziva’s intelligence, combat skills, and emotional depth quickly made her a fan favorite. She was part of the core cast for 8 seasons before departing the show in 2013.
Her portrayal of Ziva earned her several award nominations, including a Teen Choice Award and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Drama Actress. Ziva’s storyline, including her relationship with fellow agent Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly), was central to the show’s success, and her departure in 2013 left a significant impact on the series.
Post-NCIS Career
After leaving NCIS, Cote took a break from acting, but returned to the spotlight in 2015 when she starred in The 33, a drama about the Chilean mining disaster. She has also appeared in other television roles, including the 2018 miniseries NCIS: New Orleans, and participated in various voice acting projects.
In 2020, Cote de Pablo made a much-anticipated return to the NCIS universe, reprising her role as Ziva David for several episodes in the 17th season, much to the delight of fans.
Personal Life
Cote is known for her private and low-key lifestyle, particularly when it comes to her personal relationships. She is fluent in both Spanish and English and has maintained strong ties to her Chilean heritage.
In addition to acting, Cote has pursued her love of music. She has expressed an interest in singing and has performed in various musical productions, though she has kept her musical career somewhat under the radar.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Cote has received numerous accolades, including:
- Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress (for her role in NCIS)
- People’s Choice Award nominations
- Several ALMA Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Cote de Pablo has earned a reputation not just for her acting chops but for her ability to portray strong, complex characters. She remains one of the most beloved and respected actresses in television, especially for her iconic portrayal of Ziva David.
Fun Facts:
- Cote is very close to her family and often speaks about her love for her mother and sister.
- Despite her success in Hollywood, she has remained largely private about her personal life and relationships.
Her contributions to both television and film continue to inspire her fans worldwide, and she is remembered as one of the most memorable characters in the NCIS franchise.
