Where is Cote de Pablo now? The beloved Chilean-American actress who captured hearts worldwide as Ziva David on NCIS has made a triumphant return to television in 2025 with the Paramount+ spinoff series “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.”
At 46 years old, Cote de Pablo continues to captivate audiences while maintaining her characteristically private personal life.
Her estimated net worth stands at $7-10 million in 2026, and she recently revealed she’s become a mother.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts About Cote de Pablo
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | María José de Pablo Fernández |
| Professional Name | Coté de Pablo |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1979 |
| Age (2026) | 46 years old |
| Birthplace | Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | Chilean-American |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm / 1.70 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 lbs (60 kg) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Net Worth (2026) | $7-10 million |
| Famous For | Ziva David on NCIS |
| Current Project | NCIS: Tony & Ziva (2025) |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of 2026) |
| Children | Recently became a mother (2025) |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University (BFA Drama, 2000) |
| Awards | ALMA Award (2011), Imagen Award (2006) |
| Social Media | Not active |
Where Is Cote de Pablo Right Now in 2026?
Cote de Pablo is currently starring in and executive producing the hit Paramount+ series “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.” The show premiered in September 2025 and has become one of the streaming platform’s most successful launches.
The series reunites Cote with her longtime co-star Michael Weatherly. They reprised their iconic roles as Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo after being apart on screen for 12 years.
Set in Paris, the show follows the couple as they build a life together while raising their daughter Tali. The series has already garnered over 93 million views for its trailer in the first week alone.
Cote de Pablo’s Triumphant Return to NCIS Universe
The return to the NCIS universe marks a significant milestone in Cote’s career. She left the original series in 2013 after eight successful seasons, citing creative differences and script quality concerns.
Her departure devastated fans worldwide who had fallen in love with her portrayal of the tough Israeli Mossad officer. Many thought they’d never see Ziva David again, especially after the character was presumed dead in Season 13.
However, in a shocking twist during the Season 16 finale in May 2019, Ziva appeared alive in Gibbs’ basement. This surprise return sent shockwaves through the NCIS fandom and social media.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva – What You Need to Know
“NCIS: Tony & Ziva” premiered on September 4, 2025, on Paramount+. The entire first season is currently available for streaming, with renewal prospects looking strong according to industry experts.
The show explores the couple’s relationship in depth, something fans had craved for years. It tackles themes of healing, trauma, family, and choosing happiness after years of uncertainty.
Cote serves as both star and executive producer alongside Michael Weatherly. This creative control allows her to shape Ziva’s story in ways she couldn’t during her original NCIS run.
Cote de Pablo’s Age in 2026
As of February 2026, Cote de Pablo is 46 years old. She was born on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile, making her zodiac sign Scorpio.
Despite being in her mid-40s, Cote maintains the same grace and beauty that made her a fan favorite. Her timeless appearance and incredible talent continue to shine on screen.
The actress has spoken about embracing age and finding happiness in her current life stage. She values authenticity and choosing joy over societal pressures about aging.
What Is Cote de Pablo’s Net Worth in 2026?
Cote de Pablo’s estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between $7 million and $10 million. Different sources provide varying estimates, but most agree she’s accumulated significant wealth throughout her career.
Her primary source of income came from her role on NCIS. At her peak, she earned approximately $120,000 per episode, appearing in 194 episodes total.
Simple mathematics suggests she earned around $22-23 million from NCIS alone. After taxes, agent fees, and living expenses, her current net worth of $7-10 million is realistic and conservative.
Income Sources Contributing to Her Wealth
- NCIS Salary: Her main income source was the original NCIS series where she worked from 2005 to 2013, with brief returns in 2019.
- NCIS: Tony & Ziva: As both star and executive producer, she likely commands a substantial salary for the Paramount+ series.
- Film Roles: She appeared in “The 33” (2015), “The Last Rites of Ransom Pride” (2010), and other projects.
- Television Projects: Besides NCIS, she worked on “The Dovekeepers” (2015) miniseries and other television appearances.
- Music Performances: She contributed vocals to soundtracks and performed on NCIS episodes, adding to her income streams.
Cote de Pablo’s Dating Life and Relationship Status 2026
As of 2026, Cote de Pablo is reportedly single. She has maintained an incredibly private personal life throughout her career, rarely discussing relationships publicly.
Her most well-known relationship was with Ecuadorian-American actor Diego Serrano. They dated from 2000 to June 2015, a 15-year relationship that many assumed would lead to marriage.
In a 2012 interview with Prevention magazine, Cote spoke fondly of Diego. She called him “the worst influence I’ve ever had in my entire life, and I love him for it.”
The Diego Serrano Relationship
Diego Serrano is an actor known for roles in “The Young and the Restless,” “Another World,” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” His relationship with Cote was serious and long-lasting.
The couple complemented each other perfectly. While Diego loved going out, clubbing, and socializing, Cote preferred quiet nights at home with close friends.
Their breakup in June 2015 came as a surprise to many fans. Neither has publicly discussed the reasons behind their split, maintaining privacy about their personal lives.
Rumors About Michael Weatherly
Given their incredible on-screen chemistry, many fans have wondered if Cote and Michael Weatherly ever dated. The answer is no – they have never been romantically involved.
Both actors have consistently described their relationship as a close friendship and professional partnership. Their chemistry comes from mutual respect and years of working together.
In a 2009 Entertainment Tonight interview, they playfully discussed what their couple name would be. Michael joked it would be “Ham and Cheese,” showing their lighthearted dynamic.
Cote de Pablo Becomes a Mother
In 2025, Cote de Pablo revealed she recently became a mother. This announcement was made during interviews promoting “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.”
She discussed how motherhood influenced her portrayal of Ziva as a parent. Playing a mother while being one in real life added authentic depth to her performance.
Cote has kept details about her child private, including the father’s identity. True to form, she shields her personal life from media scrutiny and public attention.
Why Cote de Pablo Left NCIS in 2013
Cote’s departure from NCIS in 2013 shocked fans worldwide. CBS initially reported she was leaving for “undisclosed reasons,” fueling speculation and rumors.
Later, in a 2016 Q&A session, Cote revealed the truth. She left because she disagreed with the direction of Ziva’s character arc and felt the scripts weren’t meeting her standards.
“I didn’t leave because I wanted to go or because I was ready or because I was tired,” she explained. “I didn’t really have an option.”
CBS’s Efforts to Keep Her
CBS CEO Leslie Moonves later confirmed they tried everything to retain Cote. “We offered Cote de Pablo a lot of money – then we offered her even more money,” he stated.
He continued: “We really didn’t want to lose her; we love her. We think she’s terrific.” Despite their best efforts, Cote stood firm in her decision.
This demonstrates her integrity and commitment to quality storytelling. She wouldn’t compromise her artistic vision for money or convenience.
Cote de Pablo’s Early Life and Background
María José de Pablo Fernández was born in Santiago, Chile, on November 12, 1979. She was raised by her parents Francisco de Pablo and María Olga Fernández.
She has two siblings: a younger sister named Andrea and a brother named Francisco who works as a DJ. The family was close-knit during her childhood in Chile.
When Cote was 10 years old, her mother accepted a job at a Spanish-language television network in Miami, Florida. The family relocated to the United States, changing Cote’s life forever.
Adjusting to Life in America
Moving to Miami at age 10 presented challenges for young María José. “I came to the States when I was ten, and that was, in many ways, very hard,” she later recalled.
She attended Arvida Middle School in Miami where classmates struggled to pronounce “María José.” She adopted the nickname “Coté,” a common Chilean diminutive for María José.
Later, she attended New World School of the Arts, studying musical theater. This education laid the foundation for her future acting and singing career.
Education at Carnegie Mellon University
After graduating high school in 1997, Cote moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to attend Carnegie Mellon University. She enrolled in their prestigious drama program.
During her time at Carnegie Mellon, she appeared in numerous theatrical productions. These included “And the World Goes ‘Round,” “The House of Bernarda Alba,” “Indiscretions,” “The Fantasticks,” and “A Little Night Music.”
In 2000, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. This comprehensive education prepared her for a successful entertainment career.
Early Career Struggles
After graduation, Cote moved to New York City to pursue acting professionally. Like many aspiring actors, she faced significant challenges finding steady work.
To support herself, she worked as a waitress at an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn. She also took babysitting jobs to make ends meet between auditions.
At age 15, before college, she had co-hosted “Control,” a Latin-American talk show on Univision alongside Carlos Ponce. This early exposure to entertainment planted seeds for her future.
Breaking Into Television
Cote’s professional television career began with small roles in various series. In 2000, she appeared in Fox’s “The $treet” and CBS’s “The Education of Max Bickford.”
She performed in New York City Public Theater productions and landed a recurring role on “All My Children.” She also appeared in commercials to supplement her income.
In 2003, she played Marguerite Cisneros in “The Jury” on Fox Network. Though the show only aired 10 episodes, it provided valuable experience.
Landing the Role of Ziva David
In 2005, Cote was preparing for her Broadway debut in “The Mambo Kings” as Dolores Fuentes. Unfortunately, the show closed after a short San Francisco trial run.
While waiting for “The Mambo Kings,” she submitted a videotape audition for NCIS. Two days after the musical closed, CBS asked her to fly to Los Angeles for a screen test.
During her second audition, network executives tested her chemistry with Michael Weatherly. He went off-script, brushing her hair back and saying, “You remind me of Salma Hayek.”
The Audition That Changed Everything
Cote stayed in character despite Michael’s improvisation and “dismissed him completely.” This professional response impressed everyone watching.
Producer Donald P. Bellisario met with her as she waited for a cab to the airport. He told her she’d landed the part of Ziva David right there.
She described Ziva as “someone completely different from anyone else on the show because she’s been around men all her life; she’s used to men of authority. She’s not afraid of men.”
The Ziva David Character Journey
Ziva David debuted in NCIS Season 3 in 2005. She was introduced as an Israeli Mossad liaison officer assigned to NCIS following the death of Agent Caitlin Todd.
Her character brought a unique perspective to the team. As a trained Mossad operative, she possessed combat skills, multiple languages, and a complex backstory.
Ziva’s relationship with Tony DiNozzo became one of television’s most beloved will-they-won’t-they romances. Their chemistry drove countless storylines and fan discussions.
Character Development Over Eight Seasons
Throughout her tenure, Ziva evolved from a guarded operative to a vulnerable, emotionally available person. Her friendships with Gibbs, Abby, and McGee deepened significantly.
Traumatic events shaped her character arc. These included her father’s betrayal, her sister’s death, and her eventual departure from Mossad to become a full NCIS agent.
By Season 11, Ziva chose love and family over duty. She left NCIS to start a new life, leading to Cote’s departure from the show.
Awards and Recognition
Cote’s portrayal of Ziva David earned critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. In 2006, she won an Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress in Television for NCIS.
She received Imagen Award nominations in 2008, 2009, and 2011. The 2011 nomination upgraded her from Supporting to Best Actress category, reflecting her character’s importance.
In 2011, she won the ALMA Award for Favorite Television Actress—Leading Role in Drama. This recognition validated her impact on representing Latino talent on mainstream television.
Fan Recognition and Cultural Impact
Beyond formal awards, Cote received immense fan appreciation. Ziva David became a cultural icon, inspiring fan art, fiction, and devoted online communities.
Her character broke stereotypes about women in action roles. Ziva was both feminine and formidable, emotional and strategic, vulnerable and strong.
Latino audiences particularly embraced her success. She represented positive representation of Latin American talent in a leading role on a top-rated network series.
Post-NCIS Projects and Career Moves
After leaving NCIS in 2013, Cote was selective about new projects. She refused to jump into just any role, prioritizing quality over quantity.
In 2014, she was cast in “The 33,” a film about the 2010 Copiapó mining accident in Chile. She played the wife of one of the trapped miners.
The film held personal significance as a Chilean story. She even contributed vocals to the official soundtrack, singing “Gracias a la Vida.”
The Dovekeepers Miniseries
In 2015, Cote starred in the CBS miniseries “The Dovekeepers,” based on Alice Hoffman’s novel. The two-part adaptation told a story of survival and resilience.
“It’s a remarkable story of survival, human spirit, and love,” she told CBS. “It’s about people fighting for what they believe in.”
The project allowed her to explore different character types. It demonstrated her range beyond the action-oriented role of Ziva David.
Failed Pilot and Attempted Returns
In March 2016, Deadline Hollywood reported Cote would star in Syfy’s thriller-drama “Prototype” as Laura Kale. The show featured sci-fi elements and quantum physics themes.
However, in August 2016, Syfy passed on the series. Despite the disappointment, Cote continued evaluating potential projects carefully.
In August 2018, she and Michael Weatherly became executive producers for CBS detective drama “MIA.” Written by Shepard Boucher, the series never proceeded to production.
The Surprise 2019 NCIS Return
On May 21, 2019, NCIS shocked fans with Ziva’s surprise return. In the Season 16 finale’s final scene, she appeared alive in Gibbs’ basement.
The episode revealed that Ziva had faked her death and gone into hiding. She returned to warn Gibbs that his life was in danger.
Cote appeared in the first two episodes of Season 17, then returned for episodes 10 and 11. These appearances tied up Ziva’s storyline and provided closure for fans.
Cote de Pablo’s Singing Career
Beyond acting, Cote is an accomplished singer with a beautiful voice. She showcased this talent on several NCIS episodes and various projects.
On the NCIS episode “Last Man Standing” (September 23, 2008), she performed Tom Waits’ “Temptation.” Her full performance, including French lyrics, appeared on the official NCIS soundtrack released February 10, 2009.
She sang in Roberto Pitre’s “Vivo en vida,” performing “Samba in Prelude” and “Cry Me a River.” Her musical training from Carnegie Mellon clearly enhanced these performances.
Why Cote de Pablo Avoids Social Media
Unlike most celebrities, Cote maintains virtually no social media presence. She doesn’t have verified accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or other platforms.
“I’m not on social media, so it’s incredible,” she told an interviewer. “It’s almost like you’re talking about a world that I’m not a part of.”
Her absence from social platforms reflects her commitment to privacy. She prefers authentic personal connections over public performance of her life.
Fan Accounts and Impersonators
Numerous fan accounts and fake profiles claiming to be Cote exist online. None of these are authentic or affiliated with the actress herself.
Fans should be wary of accounts claiming to be her official pages. If she decides to join social media in the future, it will likely be widely reported in entertainment news.
This privacy stance is increasingly rare in Hollywood. It demonstrates her values and priorities beyond fame and public attention.
Cote de Pablo’s Personal Philosophy
Throughout interviews, Cote has shared her perspectives on life, beauty, and happiness. These insights reveal her grounded, thoughtful approach to fame.
“My priority is to hang out with the ones I love – my family, my loved ones,” she stated. This family-first mentality guides her career decisions.
On beauty, she shared wisdom from a former Italian boyfriend: “Maria, sei bella e felice” (You are beautiful and happy). This taught her that happiness creates beauty from within.
Choosing Happiness and Healing
In “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” Ziva’s therapist encourages her to “choose happiness.” This theme resonated deeply with Cote personally.
“It’s really great to talk about the idea of a person loving themselves, which comes through choosing happiness,” Cote explained. She emphasized the importance of therapy and healing.
She quoted Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese”: “Let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” This philosophy of self-acceptance guides her life approach.
Physical Appearance and Measurements
Cote de Pablo stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. She maintains a healthy weight of approximately 130 pounds (60 kg).
She has naturally brown hair and brown eyes. Her Chilean heritage contributes to her distinctive, striking appearance that captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout her career, she’s developed a sophisticated fashion sense. She favors deep V-necklines, elegant dresses, and timeless, chic separates on red carpets.
Cote de Pablo’s Fashion Evolution
In her early NCIS years, Cote wore casual, approachable outfits to red carpet events. She favored voluminous curls with side parts, reflecting 2010s hair trends.
As her confidence grew, her style became more daring and glamorous. She experimented with updos, bold patterns, and designer pieces from brands like Christian Dior.
In recent years, she’s embraced Parisian-inspired looks. Striped tops, silk scarves, and tailored pieces reflect sophisticated, effortless elegance.
Behind-the-Scenes: Working on NCIS: Tony & Ziva
Returning to work with Michael Weatherly felt surreal for Cote. “Michael and I pinch ourselves,” she shared. “We’ve never felt this level of support.”
The show’s trailer garnered 93 million views in one week. This overwhelming response demonstrated how much fans missed these characters and actors.
Filming in Paris provided new experiences. The European setting contrasted sharply with their previous work on the mothership show in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
Executive Producer Role
As executive producer, Cote has creative input beyond just acting. She helps shape storylines, character development, and overall series direction.
This control allows her to ensure Ziva’s story is told authentically. It addresses the concerns she had when leaving the original series in 2013.
The partnership with Michael Weatherly as co-executive producer creates balance. Their friendship and mutual respect translate into effective creative collaboration.
The Streaming Era Experience
“NCIS: Tony & Ziva” marks Cote’s first major streaming project. The experience differs significantly from traditional network television.
“It’s surreal because remember, we’re coming from the world of network, which was very different,” she explained. Instead of weekly airings, entire seasons drop simultaneously.
This binge-watching model changes how audiences engage with content. Fans can watch at their own pace rather than waiting week to week.
Cote de Pablo’s Future Projects
As of February 2026, Cote’s primary focus remains “NCIS: Tony & Ziva.” The show’s success makes a second season renewal highly likely.
Beyond the current series, her future projects remain undisclosed. Given her selective approach to roles, she likely evaluates opportunities carefully.
Her return to consistent work suggests she’s found the right balance. She can pursue meaningful projects while maintaining her cherished privacy.
Life in Los Angeles
Cote currently resides in Los Angeles, California. The city provides proximity to Hollywood while allowing relative anonymity compared to other entertainment hubs.
She maintains a low-key lifestyle when not working. Unlike many celebrities, she’s rarely spotted at high-profile events or trendy hotspots.
This quiet existence aligns with her stated values. She prioritizes time with loved ones over public appearances and industry networking.
Cote de Pablo’s Ethnicity and Heritage
Cote is of Chilean ethnicity, born to Spanish-descended Chilean parents. Her full name, María José de Pablo Fernández, reflects her Hispanic heritage.
She moved to the United States at age 10 but maintained strong connections to Chilean culture. She’s spoken proudly about her heritage in numerous interviews.
When the Chilean mining accident occurred in 2010, she felt deep pride in Chilean resilience. “In that moment, I felt proud to be Chilean,” she told Latina magazine.
Speaking Multiple Languages
Thanks to her background, Cote speaks both English and Spanish fluently. This bilingual ability enhanced her portrayal of Ziva, who spoke multiple languages.
On NCIS, Ziva’s character spoke English, Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, French, and other languages. While Cote didn’t speak all these languages, she learned pronunciations and phrases convincingly.
Her multilingual skills opened doors in her career. She’s expressed interest in doing Spanish-language projects in the future.
Cote de Pablo’s Impact on Television
Cote’s portrayal of Ziva David broke new ground for representation on network television. She brought complexity, strength, and vulnerability to a Latina character.
Her success paved the way for more diverse casting in procedural dramas. It demonstrated that audiences embrace characters from various cultural backgrounds.
Ziva became one of NCIS’s most beloved characters despite being introduced after the show’s launch. This achievement speaks to Cote’s talent and the character’s writing.
Fan Community and Legacy
The NCIS fandom remains incredibly devoted to Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo. Online communities continue discussing, analyzing, and celebrating the characters.
“Tiva” (Tony + Ziva) shippers kept the characters’ romance alive during Cote’s eight-year absence. Their dedication influenced CBS and Paramount+ to greenlight the spinoff.
This fan loyalty demonstrates television’s power to create lasting emotional connections. Cote and Michael’s chemistry transcended the screen, touching millions of viewers.
Lessons from Cote de Pablo’s Career
Cote’s career offers valuable lessons about integrity, authenticity, and standing up for one’s values. She left a lucrative role because it no longer served her creatively.
Her selective approach to projects shows that quality matters more than quantity. She’d rather wait for the right role than accept anything for a paycheck.
Her privacy in an oversharing era demonstrates you can be successful without constant public exposure. Talent and work speak louder than social media presence.
The Healing Power of Returning to Ziva
Cote described Season 1 of “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” as “very healing” for both her and Michael. They never had proper closure when leaving the original series.
“We had never really had a conclusion to these characters,” she explained. The spinoff allowed them to give Ziva and Tony the ending they deserved.
This healing extended beyond fictional characters. It mended the abrupt way their original NCIS journeys ended, bringing personal and professional satisfaction.
What Makes Cote de Pablo Special
Cote possesses a rare combination of talent, beauty, intelligence, and humility. She remains grounded despite fame and success.
Her commitment to her craft shows in every performance. She doesn’t phone it in or rely solely on charisma; she brings depth to every role.
Her privacy and selectivity make her enigmatic in the best way. In an age of oversharing, her mystery intrigues fans who respect her boundaries.
The Future of NCIS: Tony & Ziva
While Season 2 hasn’t been officially confirmed as of February 2026, industry experts predict renewal. The show’s viewership numbers and fan engagement suggest strong prospects.
Cote and Michael have expressed interest in continuing the story. Their investment as executive producers indicates commitment to the project’s success.
The Paris setting provides endless storytelling possibilities. The characters can grow, face new challenges, and further develop their family dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Cote de Pablo now in 2026?
Cote de Pablo is currently starring in and executive producing “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” on Paramount+, which premiered in September 2025. She resides in Los Angeles and recently became a mother.
How old is Cote de Pablo in 2026?
Cote de Pablo is 46 years old as of February 2026. She was born on November 12, 1979, making her zodiac sign Scorpio.
What is Cote de Pablo’s net worth?
Cote de Pablo’s estimated net worth in 2026 is between $7 million and $10 million, primarily earned from her role on NCIS where she made approximately $120,000 per episode.
Is Cote de Pablo married or dating anyone?
As of 2026, Cote de Pablo is reportedly single. She previously dated actor Diego Serrano from 2000 to 2015 but has never been married.
Does Cote de Pablo have children?
Yes, in 2025 Cote de Pablo revealed she recently became a mother. She has kept details about her child private, including the father’s identity.
Why did Cote de Pablo leave NCIS in 2013?
Cote left NCIS because she disagreed with the direction of Ziva’s character arc and felt the scripts weren’t meeting her quality standards. She later stated, “I didn’t really have an option.”
Is Cote de Pablo on social media?
No, Cote de Pablo is not active on social media platforms. She has stated she prefers to remain outside that world and values her privacy.
What is Cote de Pablo’s real name?
Her real name is María José de Pablo Fernández. “Coté” is a common Chilean nickname for María José that she adopted when classmates couldn’t pronounce her full name.
Will there be a Season 2 of NCIS: Tony & Ziva?
While not officially confirmed as of February 2026, industry experts predict a Season 2 renewal based on strong viewership numbers and the show’s success on Paramount+.
What languages does Cote de Pablo speak?
Cote de Pablo speaks English and Spanish fluently. She’s also learned phrases in other languages for her role as Ziva, who was multilingual on NCIS.
Conclusion
Where is Cote de Pablo now? She’s thriving both personally and professionally in 2026.
After years of selective career choices and maintaining fierce privacy, she’s returned to the role that made her famous while taking on new challenges as an executive producer and mother.
At 46 years old, Cote continues to captivate audiences with the same intelligence, talent, and grace that first attracted fans to Ziva David in 2005.
Her estimated $7-10 million net worth reflects a successful career built on integrity rather than constant exposure.
While she remains single and famously absent from social media, she recently revealed becoming a mother, adding a new dimension to her life.
