Cote de Pablo’s decision to leave NCIS in 2013 was met with shock from fans, but in a revealing interview, she shared the most beautiful thing about quitting the hit show. As the beloved Ziva David, de Pablo had become a central figure in the NCIS universe, and her departure marked a significant turning point in her career.

Despite the initial uncertainty, Cote explained that stepping away allowed her to rediscover her passion for acting and explore other creative avenues. Rather than staying in a comfortable role, leaving the show gave her the freedom to pursue projects that were more fulfilling and personally meaningful.

What de Pablo found most beautiful about this change was the opportunity for growth. By leaving behind the long-running series, she found a sense of peace and the chance to reconnect with her artistic roots.

This decision wasn’t just about leaving a job—it was about reclaiming her own creative voice. In the years since, Cote has spoken about how the time away from NCIS gave her the space to embrace new challenges and step into roles that were both diverse and enriching, showing that sometimes, the most rewarding parts of life come after taking bold steps into the unknown.