Cote de Pablo’s portrayal of Ziva David in NCIS transformed her into an iconic figure in television history. Before landing the role, Cote was a talented but lesser-known actress, but Ziva’s combination of intelligence, strength, and vulnerability allowed her to showcase a range of emotions and depth rarely seen in similar roles. Her journey to becoming Ziva was not just about learning lines but fully immersing herself in a complex character that resonated with audiences worldwide. Through her dedication, Cote became an integral part of the show’s success and carved out a lasting legacy in the hearts of fans.

The key to Cote’s transformation into Ziva was a deep commitment to understanding the character’s background, her emotional struggles, and her dynamic relationships with others. Ziva’s fierce loyalty, military precision, and sharp wit all drew from Cote’s ability to blend physicality with emotion. The actress spent hours with military consultants to master her character’s skills, making her portrayal of the Israeli Mossad agent both authentic and compelling. Cote’s dedication to authenticity and her natural chemistry with her co-stars were essential to creating a character who became not just a fan favorite, but a symbol of strength and resilience on screen.