María José de Pablo Fernández, widely recognized as Coté de Pablo, was born on November 12, 1979, in Santiago, Chile. At the tender age of ten, she relocated to the United States, where her passion for acting began to flourish. Her early exposure to the arts paved the way for a successful career in entertainment.
At just fifteen, Coté showcased her talent as a co-host on the Latin-American talk show Control alongside former Entertainment Tonight host Carlos Ponce. This experience ignited her ambition, leading her to pursue formal education in music and theater at Carnegie Mellon University, a decision that would significantly shape her career.
De Pablo's breakthrough came in 2005 when she was cast as Ziva David in the popular CBS television series NCIS. Her portrayal of the complex character earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she received an ALMA Award in 2011, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the television industry.