
Cote de Pablo: Baby, NCIS Exit, Spinoff, Net Worth & More
For millions of NCIS fans, Ziva David was more than just a character — she was the heart of the show, and her 2013 departure left a void the series never quite filled. Now, more than a decade later, the actress is back, not just on screen but as an executive producer, ready to revisit the story that made her a household name.
Full name: María José de Pablo Fernández ·
Born: November 12, 1979 (age 44) ·
Birthplace: Santiago, Chile ·
Known for: Ziva David on NCIS (2005–2013) ·
Upcoming project: NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff on Paramount+ ·
Net worth (estimated): $6 million
Quick snapshot
- Exact net worth figure (estimates vary) (IMDb)
- Details of relationship with Mark Harmon (Wikipedia) (IMDb)
- Whether she will appear in other NCIS projects (Latin Post)
- 1979: Born in Santiago, Chile (Wikipedia)
- 2005–2013: Played Ziva David on NCIS (Wikipedia)
- 2013: Left NCIS after season 11 (Wikipedia)
- 2024: Announced as star and EP of ‘Tony & Ziva’ (Wikipedia)
- ‘Tony & Ziva’ streaming on Paramount+, finale Oct 23, 2025 (People)
- Further career projects undisclosed (Latin Post)
Seven key facts about the actress, from her full name to her estimated wealth, provide a foundation for understanding her career trajectory.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | María José de Pablo Fernández |
| Date of birth | November 12, 1979 |
| Place of birth | Santiago, Chile |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Marital status | Single |
| Children | None (recently became a mother) |
| Net worth | $6 million (estimated) |
The pattern: most biographical details are publicly settled, but the “children” field shifted in 2025, and net worth remains an estimate across sources.
Does Cote de Pablo have a baby?
Yes — she became a mother recently. In a 2025 interview with People (celebrity news outlet), de Pablo offered a rare glimpse into her life as a mother, though she did not disclose her child’s age or the father’s identity. Wikipedia (community-maintained encyclopedia) also notes that in 2025 she shared that she had recently become a mother.
Has Cote de Pablo ever been pregnant?
- There is no public record of a pregnancy announcement before the 2025 revelation. (People)
- She has kept her personal life extremely private, so pregnancy details are unknown. (Latin Post (Latino news outlet))
Does Cote de Pablo have a daughter?
The gender and age of her child have not been publicly confirmed. People reported that she didn’t share that information, leaving the question unanswered. The implication: de Pablo values her family privacy, and fans will likely learn more only if she chooses to share.
What is the real reason Cote de Pablo left NCIS?
Cote de Pablo exited NCIS after its 11th season in 2013. Wikipedia states that the decision was influenced by contract negotiations and her desire to pursue other roles. She has called it a personal choice rather than a result of on-set conflict.
Did Cote de Pablo leave NCIS because of Mark Harmon?
- In a past interview, de Pablo revealed that Mark Harmon once told her to “get over” being ill on set, but she emphasized that this did not factor into her departure. (Latin Post)
Was Cote de Pablo fired from NCIS?
No. All available reporting points to a voluntary exit. IMDb (industry database) frames her departure as a contract-driven decision, not a dismissal. What this means: the “fired” rumor is not supported by any credible source.
What is Cote de Pablo doing today?
De Pablo is back in the NCIS universe. She stars in and executive produces NCIS: Tony & Ziva, a spinoff streaming on Paramount+. People confirmed the first three episodes launched in 2025, with new episodes released weekly and a season finale set for October 23, 2025.
Is Cote de Pablo returning to NCIS?
- She is returning specifically for the Tony & Ziva spinoff, not the original series. (Wikipedia)
- She has not announced any other NCIS-related appearances. (IMDb)
What is Cote de Pablo’s new show?
NCIS: Tony & Ziva follows the beloved characters as they raise their daughter in Europe. De Pablo described exploring motherhood in the series as “a treat.” (People) The catch: while she plays a mother on screen, she keeps her real-life parenting out of the spotlight.
Do Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo get along in real life?
Yes — they have maintained a close friendship for years. De Pablo has referred to Weatherly as “one of my dearest friends,” a sentiment that underscores their positive real-life relationship. (People) The spinoff reunites them on screen, further confirming their strong rapport.
Are Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo friends?
- Weatherly has also spoken positively about de Pablo, and the two share behind-the-scenes photos from the spinoff set. (IMDb)
Did Cote de Pablo have a problem with Michael Weatherly’s behavior?
No public evidence suggests any ongoing conflict. On the contrary, their collaboration on the new show indicates mutual respect. The trade-off: close friendships can survive career changes, as this one did.
What happened between Mark Harmon and Cote de Pablo?
The only reported incident is Harmon’s remark about de Pablo being ill on set. Latin Post covered the story, noting that de Pablo did not consider it a factor in her decision to leave.
Did Mark Harmon criticize Cote de Pablo for being ill?
- She recounted that he told her to “get over” being sick, but she added that it was said in a typical workplace manner. (Latin Post)
Mark Harmon reportedly told de Pablo to “get over” being ill on set.
— Reported by Latin Post (Latino news outlet)
Was there tension between Mark Harmon and Cote de Pablo?
Beyond that single anecdote, no other conflicts have been reported. Both have spoken professionally about each other in later years. Why this matters: the rumor of a feud appears overblown, grounded in one mildly harsh comment rather than a pattern.
Career timeline
- 1979 — Born in Santiago, Chile. (Wikipedia)
- 2005–2013 — Played Ziva David on NCIS. (Wikipedia)
- 2013 — Left NCIS after season 11. (Wikipedia)
- 2014 — Starred in miniseries ‘The Dovekeepers’. (IMDb)
- 2024 — Announced as star and executive producer of ‘Tony & Ziva’ spinoff. (Wikipedia)
- 2025 — Premiere of ‘Tony & Ziva’ on Paramount+. (People)
Confirmed vs. unclear
Confirmed facts
- Became a mother recently (People)
- Left NCIS due to contract disputes (Wikipedia)
- Returning for Paramount+ spinoff (Wikipedia)
- Not married (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (IMDb)
- Details of relationship with Mark Harmon (Latin Post)
- Future NCIS projects beyond spinoff (IMDb)
“Exploring motherhood in the show was a treat.”
— Cote de Pablo, speaking to People (celebrity news outlet) about her role in ‘Tony & Ziva’
De Pablo has referred to Weatherly as “one of my dearest friends,” a sentiment that underscores their positive real-life relationship. (People)
De Pablo’s return as producer and star signals a mature second act, where she controls both the narrative and her privacy. For fans, the trade-off is clear: more Ziva, but on de Pablo’s terms.
For Cote de Pablo, the arc from reluctant departure to empowered return is a rare Hollywood story. She rebuilt her professional life on her own timeline, became a mother on her own terms, and chose a spinoff that reunites her with a trusted friend. For the millions who watched Ziva David grow, the lesson is simple: sometimes walking away is the only way to come back stronger.
Related reading: **Elisha Cuthbert: 24 Star’s Life, Rumors, and Career in 2025** · **Laura Vandervoort: Biography, Career, and Personal Life**
Fans eager for more can follow the latest developments of the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff, which reunites her with Michael Weatherly.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cote de Pablo’s full name?
María José de Pablo Fernández. (Wikipedia)
How old is Cote de Pablo?
She was born on November 12, 1979, making her 44 years old. (Wikipedia)
Is Cote de Pablo married?
No, she is not married. Her last known long-term relationship ended in 2015. (Wikipedia)
How tall is Cote de Pablo?
She is 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m). (Wikipedia)
What is Cote de Pablo’s net worth?
Estimates place it around $6 million, largely from her NCIS tenure. (IMDb)