Ziva David, portrayed by the talented Cote de Pablo, remains one of the most unforgettable characters from the hit television series “NCIS.” With her fierce combat skills, multilingual prowess, and complex backstory, Ziva quickly became a fan favorite. However, much to the disappointment of her fans, Cote de Pablo left the show in 2013 and has since largely stepped away from the acting scene. Let’s delve into the reasons behind her departure and what led her to retire from acting.

The Rise of Ziva David

Cote de Pablo joined “NCIS” in its third season, taking on the role of Ziva David, a former Mossad officer turned NCIS agent. Her character was introduced as a replacement for Special Agent Kate Todd, who had been killed off at the end of the second season. Ziva’s unique blend of strength, intelligence, and vulnerability quickly won over fans, making her an integral part of the show’s dynamic.

Throughout her tenure on “NCIS,” Ziva’s character was involved in numerous high-stakes missions and intense storylines, including a deep and complicated relationship with Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly. This chemistry added depth to her character and kept audiences hooked.

Departure from ‘NCIS’

In 2013, fans were stunned when Cote de Pablo announced her departure from “NCIS.” Her exit was sudden and left many viewers heartbroken, as her character was written out with little warning. The reasons behind her departure were not fully detailed at the time, but de Pablo later explained that it was a personal decision based on her dissatisfaction with the direction of her character’s storyline.

During an interview, Cote de Pablo mentioned that while she loved Ziva and the show, she felt it was time to move on. She stated, “As far as my decision to leave, that’s a personal thing, and I’d rather leave it at that. The idea of leaving was not something I toyed with for a long time. It was an overwhelmingly hard thing—at times terrifying.”

Life After ‘NCIS’

After leaving “NCIS,” Cote de Pablo took on a few acting projects, including a role in the miniseries “The Dovekeepers” and the film “The 33,” which told the story of the 2010 Chilean mining disaster. Despite these roles, de Pablo has not been as prominent in the acting world as she was during her time on “NCIS.”

De Pablo has expressed a desire to focus on different aspects of her life, including spending time with family and pursuing personal interests. She has remained relatively private, stepping back from the constant spotlight of a high-profile acting career.

Brief Return to ‘NCIS’

In 2019, Cote de Pablo made a surprising return to “NCIS” for a short arc, thrilling longtime fans of the show. Her character, Ziva, was brought back in a storyline that provided closure to her narrative and allowed viewers to see her one last time. This return was a testament to the impact Ziva David had on the “NCIS” fanbase and the lasting impression de Pablo left on the series.

The Real Reason Behind Her Decision

The real reason behind Cote de Pablo’s decision to step away from acting seems to stem from her need for personal growth and fulfillment outside of the entertainment industry. In various interviews, she has spoken about the importance of being true to oneself and making decisions that align with personal values and happiness.

While many fans hope to see more of her in the future, de Pablo’s current focus appears to be on living a balanced and fulfilling life away from the pressures of Hollywood.