Cote de Pablo was born María José de Pablo Fernández on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile. She grew up in a close-knit family alongside her parents, Francisco de Pablo and María Olga Fernández, and her siblings Andrea and Francisco Jr.
When she was ten years old, her family relocated to Miami, Florida, after her mother accepted a job with a Spanish-language television network. This change not only introduced her to a new culture but also sparked her early interest in the arts.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | María José de Pablo Fernández |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Cote de Pablo |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1979 |
| Age | 45 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | Chilean-American |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Family | Parents: Francisco de Pablo & María Olga Fernández; Siblings: Andrea & Francisco Jr. |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University (BFA in Musical Theater) |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Famous Role | Ziva David in NCIS |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6–9 million |
| Languages | English, Spanish |
A Passion for Performance
In Miami, Cote de Pablo attended Arvida Middle School before moving on to the New World School of the Arts, where she developed her love for music and theater. From a young age, she showed confidence on stage and a natural ability to connect with audiences.
Her drive to pursue acting led her to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where she studied musical theater. She graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, leaving prepared for a career on stage and screen.
Early Struggles and First Roles
Like many aspiring actors, Cote de Pablo first years in New York were not easy. She worked in restaurants and other part-time jobs while attending auditions. Her resilience paid off when she began landing small television roles, including appearances in The $treet, The Education of Max Bickford, and All My Children.
Interestingly, she had already been in front of the camera at just fifteen when she co-hosted Univision’s Spanish-language program Control. This early exposure helped her learn the basics of television before her breakthrough role arrived.
Becoming Ziva David on NCIS
In 2005, Cote de Pablo joined the cast of NCIS as Ziva David, a tough and intelligent Mossad officer who later became an NCIS special agent. Her debut came during the show’s third season, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
Ziva’s blend of strength, vulnerability, and dry humor made her one of the most iconic characters in the series. Viewers admired how Cote de Pablo balanced action scenes with emotional depth, and her chemistry with Michael Weatherly (who played Tony DiNozzo) fueled one of the show’s most loved storylines.
Awards and Recognition
Cote de Pablo work on NCIS earned her critical recognition. She won an Imagen Award in 2006 for Best Supporting Actress in Television and later received an ALMA Award in 2011 for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.
These awards highlighted her role not only as a talented performer but also as a positive figure for Latina representation on American television.
Leaving NCIS
In 2013, fans were shocked when Cote de Pablo decided to leave NCIS. At the time, she explained that creative differences influenced her decision. The departure was emotional, as Ziva’s absence left a noticeable gap in the team dynamic.
For several seasons, the show hinted at her character’s fate. Then, in a surprise twist, it was revealed that Ziva had survived, leading to guest appearances in later episodes. Her return delighted long-time fans who had missed her presence.
Life Beyond NCIS
After leaving NCIS, Cote continued to explore new opportunities. She starred in the 2015 film The 33, based on the real-life Chilean mining disaster, and also appeared in the CBS miniseries The Dovekeepers.
Her versatility allowed her to branch into different genres, from historical dramas to suspenseful roles, proving she was more than just Ziva David.
A Return to the NCIS Universe
In recent years, Cote de Pablo returned to the franchise in a big way. She now stars in the spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva alongside Michael Weatherly. The show follows Ziva, Tony, and their daughter Tali as they navigate life on the run across Europe.
This new chapter not only gave fans more of the beloved pairing but also allowed Cote to explore her character’s role as a mother—something she could connect with personally.
Personal Life and Privacy
Cote de Pablo is known for keeping her private life out of the spotlight. She previously had a long-term relationship with actor Diego Serrano, but since then, she has chosen to remain quiet about her personal relationships.
She is also a mother, though she has shared few details publicly. In interviews, she has explained how her real-life experience with motherhood helped her play Ziva in the new spin-off series with more authenticity.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Through her successful acting career, Cote has earned significant recognition and financial stability. Her net worth is estimated between $6 million and $9 million, much of it from her years on NCIS where she reportedly made around $120,000 per episode at her peak.
This financial success reflects not just her talent but also the enduring popularity of the series that made her a household name.
Physical Appearance and Style
Cote de Pablo stands at about 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall, with a strong yet graceful presence that adds weight to her on-screen roles. She often appears with natural makeup and an elegant style that emphasizes simplicity rather than extravagance.
Her bilingual background—fluent in both Spanish and English—has also allowed her to connect with diverse audiences across the globe.
Fun Facts About Cote
- Her nickname “Cote” comes from a common Chilean nickname for “María José.”
- She sang “Temptation” by Tom Waits in an NCIS episode, and the performance was included on the show’s official soundtrack.
- She contributed her voice to the song “Gracias a la Vida” for the soundtrack of The 33.
- Despite her fame, she has a very limited social media presence, preferring to maintain her privacy.
Influence and Legacy
Cote de Pablo has become an inspiring figure for aspiring actors, especially Latina performers who see her as proof that talent and perseverance can break through cultural barriers.
Her portrayal of Ziva David reshaped how audiences viewed strong female leads on television, blending toughness with emotional depth in a way that resonated far beyond the screen.
Conclusion
At 45 years old, Cote de Pablo remains one of the most admired actresses on television. From her early beginnings in Chile to her rise as a global TV star, her career reflects hard work, resilience, and dedication to her craft.
Whether she is portraying Ziva in the heat of an NCIS investigation or bringing humanity to a film role, she continues to captivate audiences. For fans, Cote de Pablo is more than an actress—she is a symbol of authenticity, strength, and timeless talent.
FAQs About Cote de Pablo
1. How old is Cote de Pablo?
Cote de Pablo was born on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile. As of 2025, she is 45 years old.
2. What is Cote de Pablo’s height?
Cote de Pablo stands around 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall, which adds to her strong and elegant screen presence.
3. What is Cote de Pablo’s net worth?
Cote de Pablo has an estimated net worth of $6–9 million, most of which comes from her years on NCIS and other acting projects.
4. Does Cote de Pablo use social media?
Unlike many celebrities, Cote de Pablo keeps her private life very low-key and has little to no official activity on major social media platforms.
5. What is Cote de Pablo best known for?
Cote de Pablo is best known for her role as Ziva David in the hit TV series NCIS, where she became one of the show’s most beloved characters.
