When Cote de Pablo left NCIS in 2013, fans were heartbroken, but the actress later revealed that walking away was one of the most beautiful decisions she ever made. In an interview, she explained that leaving the show gave her the freedom to explore new opportunities, reconnect with herself, and focus on personal growth. While she loved playing Ziva David, stepping away allowed her to find balance and embrace projects that truly resonated with her. Though she made a brief return years later, de Pablo has always maintained that quitting NCIS was a turning point that led her to a more fulfilling path.