When Cote de Pablo made her unexpected exit from NCIS after playing Ziva David for nearly a decade, it left fans and the cast in shock. The decision was kept under wraps, with de Pablo herself revealing her departure just 20 minutes before the rest of the cast and crew were informed. As the show’s production crew scrambled to adjust, the actors had little time to prepare for the news, leading to confusion and mixed emotions.
The last-minute announcement caught many by surprise, especially since de Pablo had been a fan favorite and had contributed significantly to the show’s success. Her sudden departure sparked speculation and discussions among the cast, who were all blindsided by the decision. Despite the initial shock, the team moved forward, with de Pablo’s exit shaping the direction of the series in the years to come.