María José de Pablo Fernández, professionally known as Cote de Pablo, has captivated audiences worldwide with her compelling performances, most notably as Ziva David on the hit television series NCIS.
Beyond her on-screen presence, de Pablo’s journey from Santiago, Chile, to Hollywood is a testament to her dedication and talent. This comprehensive biography delves into her early life, education, career, personal life, and achievements as of 2025.
Profile Summary of Cote de Pablo
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | María José de Pablo Fernández |
| Nickname | Cote de Pablo |
| Gender | Female |
| Birthdate/Age/Zodiac | November 12, 1979 / 45 years old / Scorpio |
| Birthplace | Santiago, Chile |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children | None |
| Nationality | Chilean-American |
| Ethnicity | Latin American |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater (2000) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer |
| Net Worth | Approximately $9 million |
| Social Handles | Not publicly available |
| Physical Appearance | Height: 5’7″ (1.70m); Hair: Dark Brown; Eyes: Dark Brown |
Early Life and Education
Born on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile, María José de Pablo Fernández relocated to Miami, Florida, at the age of 10.
The move was prompted by her mother’s job at a Spanish-language television network. Embracing her new environment, de Pablo attended Arvida Middle School in Miami, where she began exploring her passion for the performing arts.
She later enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater.
Family Background
De Pablo’s parents are Francisco de Pablo and María Olga Fernández. While her family’s move to the United States was a significant transition, it provided de Pablo with opportunities to pursue her artistic ambitions.
Specific details about her siblings or extended family have not been widely publicized.
Personal Life
Cote de Pablo has maintained a relatively private personal life. She was in a long-term relationship with actor Diego Serrano from 2000 until their amicable split in June 2015.
As of 2025, de Pablo is reportedly single and has not publicly disclosed any new relationships. Contrary to some rumors, she does not have any children.
Career Path
De Pablo’s acting career began with hosting duties on the Latin-American talk show Control. She then appeared in various television roles, including a main role on the short-lived Fox legal drama The Jury.
Her breakthrough came in 2005 when she was cast as Ziva David, a Mossad operative turned NCIS agent, on the CBS series NCIS. Her portrayal earned her critical acclaim, leading to an ALMA Award and an Imagen Award.
Beyond NCIS, de Pablo has showcased her versatility as an actress. She starred in the 2015 film The 33, which dramatized the true story of the 2010 Chilean mining disaster.
Additionally, she appeared in the CBS miniseries The Dovekeepers, further cementing her status as a talented and diverse performer.
Career Milestones
➤ Breakthrough Role: NCIS
Her big break came in 2005 when she joined the cast of NCIS as Ziva David, a Mossad officer turned NCIS special agent. She joined in Season 3, replacing Sasha Alexander’s character (Caitlin Todd).
Her intense acting style, coupled with undeniable on-screen chemistry with co-star Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo), made her an instant fan favorite.
➤ Awards and Recognition
Cote’s performance earned her a 2006 Imagen Award for Best Supporting Actress in Television.
She was also nominated multiple times for ALMA Awards and won the 2008 ALMA Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Television Series.
➤ Unexpected Exit (And Comeback)
In 2013, fans were shocked when Cote announced her departure from NCIS — citing personal reasons and a need for creative fulfillment. But in 2019, she made a surprising return to the series, thrilling loyal fans who had missed her dynamic character.
➤ Movie Career
In 2015, she played Jessica Vega in The 33, based on the true story of Chilean miners trapped underground.
She also appeared in The Dovekeepers, a CBS miniseries, where she portrayed Shirah — a spiritual healer and one of the lead roles.
➤ What She’s Doing Now (2025)
In recent years, Cote has remained low-key but active in the entertainment industry.
In 2023, she was rumored to be involved in a behind-the-scenes production project and has expressed interest in directing.
While she’s not currently leading any big TV shows, she has made guest appearances on selected episodes and voice-over roles.
Her focus seems to have shifted from quantity to quality and creativity — a classic move for seasoned actors looking to stay passionate and fulfilled in their careers.
Net Worth and Assets
As of 2025, Cote de Pablo’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 million.
This wealth primarily stems from her successful acting career, particularly her long-standing role on NCIS, where she reportedly earned $120,000 per episode.
Details about her specific assets, such as real estate or investments, have not been publicly disclosed.
Fast Facts
- Multilingual Talent: De Pablo is fluent in both English and Spanish, enhancing her versatility as an actress.
- Musical Pursuits: In addition to acting, she has a background in music and has performed several songs for NCIS.
- Stage Experience: Before her television success, de Pablo appeared in theater productions, including a New York City Public Theater production of Measure for Measure in 2001.
- Recognition: In 2013, she was ranked third in E-Poll Market Research’s list of the most appealing celebrities in America, following Betty White and Sandra Bullock.
- Privacy Preference: Despite her fame, de Pablo prefers to keep her personal life out of the public eye, leading to limited information about her private affairs.
FAQs
Who is Cote de Pablo’s partner?
As of 2025, Cote de Pablo is reportedly single and not publicly linked to any partner.
Is Cote de Pablo married?
No, she is not married. She was previously in a relationship with actor Diego Serrano from 2000 to 2015.
Where is Cote de Pablo now?
De Pablo resides in Los Angeles, California, where she continues to pursue acting opportunities.
Does Cote de Pablo have a daughter?
No, Cote de Pablo does not have any children.
How old is Cote de Pablo?
Cote de Pablo was born on November 12, 1979, which makes her 45 years old as of 2025.
Does Cote de Pablo have kids?
No, Cote de Pablo does not have any children. Although there have been rumors circulating online about a daughter, these claims are unverified and false. She has never confirmed having any kids in public interviews or press appearances.
What is Cote de Pablo’s daughter’s name and age?
Cote de Pablo does not have a daughter, so there’s no publicly known name or age related to any child of hers.
