Cote de Pablo, beloved for her portrayal of Ziva David on NCIS, once shared an insightful reflection on her decision to leave the show. In interviews, she revealed that the most beautiful thing about stepping away from the iconic role was the chance to rediscover her love for acting and storytelling. After portraying Ziva for nearly a decade, de Pablo felt a deep sense of fulfillment and closure, knowing she had given everything to the character. Her departure allowed her the freedom to explore new projects that resonated with her passion for meaningful roles.

Beyond her professional growth, de Pablo also spoke about the personal growth she experienced after leaving NCIS. She learned to embrace vulnerability and creative risk-taking, both in her career and personal life. For her, quitting the show was not a moment of regret but a pivotal moment in her journey, which allowed her to pursue projects with more depth and authenticity. This shift marked the beginning of a new chapter, where she could truly connect with her craft and continue to challenge herself in ways that NCIS no longer offered.