Cote de Pablo’s departure from NCIS in 2013 left fans heartbroken, but the actress later revealed the most beautiful aspect of quitting the show: the freedom it gave her to rediscover herself. Stepping away from her iconic role as Ziva David allowed de Pablo to reconnect with her passions and explore new creative opportunities. In interviews, she shared that leaving the comfort and pressure of the long-running series opened doors for personal growth and gave her the time and space to focus on projects that were meaningful to her beyond acting.

For de Pablo, quitting wasn’t a step backward, but a chance to redefine her career on her own terms. She embraced the opportunity to choose projects that inspired her, as well as spending more time with loved ones and focusing on her well-being. The decision ultimately led to a greater sense of fulfillment, and she has spoken about how the experience shaped her both personally and professionally, making her appreciate life and her career in ways she hadn’t anticipated.