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Crime dramaNCISis one of the longest-running shows on CBS, with several spin-offs to its name. It also featured some of the most well-known faces from the industry, such as Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette, and Mark Harmon. The latter was the most established of the lot and played the lead character, Leroy Gibbs.
Given his popularity at the time, viewers might assume that all the attention would be on him, but that was not the case. In fact, the CBS executives had their full attention on actress Cote de Pablo, who joinedNCISin the role of Israeli agent Ziva David.
Not Mark Harmon, but CBS boss was drawn towards actress Cote de Pablo
NCISis currently one of the longest-running shows on the CBS network, with 22 seasons to its name. The crime drama, which first premiered in 2003, played a significant role in the rise of its ensemble cast. It was this show that skyrocketed Michael Weatherly’s Hollywood career and also presented actorMark Harmonin a new light as Agent Leroy Gibbs.
While Harmon said goodbye toNCISafter season 19, his contribution to the show is still cherished by millions. Given that Harmon was the most famous actor in the cast during the premiere, fans were sure that he would have had all the attention of CBS executives.
“It was simply scheduled that they did not work the same days”: Mark Harmon’s Worst NCIS Feud Reportedly Began With a Dog Bite
But CEO Leslie Moonves had his eyes set on Cote de Pablo, who, according to him, was perfect for the role of Ziva David. In an interview withThe New York Times, creator Donald Bellisario revealed the same, adding,“Les took one look at her and said, ‘Wow!’”
Cote de Pablo joined theNCIScast in season three, and almost immediately, she captured everyone’s attention with her tough yet charismatic personality. During her audition with Weatherly, de Pablo was left absolutely clueless whenhe went off-script. However, once she was on board, her role brought a more diverse viewership to the show.
The cast ofNCIShad no idea that Cote de Pablo was leaving the show
The entireNCISfandom was left shocked when, in 2013, actress Cote de Pablo announced her departure from the show. Known for her portrayal of Ziva David, this decision shocked her co-stars as well, who had no clue that she was leaving the crime drama. Talking about the same, Pauley Perrette revealed viaE! Newsthat she found out just minutes before the news went public.
She added,“I found out literally 20 minutes before it was released in the press,”expressing the surprise and sadness of the moment. Despite this, there was no drama surrounding de Pablo’s decision to leave, with the actress herself claiming that she was stepping back from the show for personal reasons.
“You can’t play a guy named Leroy Jethro Gibbs”: NCIS Creator Didn’t Want Mark Harmon As Gibbs in the Show
Ziva’s exit came in a dramatic storyline where her character was killed in a bomb explosion in Israel, leaving fans devastated. However, in 2019, Ziva made an unexpected return, much to the surprise of both fans and theNCISteam. It was revealed that she had survived the explosion and had been in hiding all along.
Her return also brought closure to her relationship with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), as the pair reunited in Paris with their daughter, Tali.
You can watch all the seasons ofNCISon Paramount+.
Sakshi Singh
Articles Published :1435
Sakshi Singh has written over 1,300 entertainment articles, mostly about Netflix shows and reality TV. She’s spent the last two years covering everything from surprise engagements to shocking eliminations and previously wrote for Essentially Sports in their Netflix Junkie division. A self-proclaimed reality TV addict, Sakshi has watched all 48 seasons of Survivor and never misses a new dating or competition series. She loves watching how strangers meet, fall in love, team up, or betray each other - it’s the mix of strategy and drama that keeps her hooked. When she’s not glued to a reality show, she’s usually watching a crime thriller or tracking the next big streaming hit.
