Mark Harmon’s Initial Hesitation and the Unlikely Bond with Cote de Pablo on NCIS
When Mark Harmon first heard that a new cast member might join NCIS, he wasn’t immediately convinced it was a good idea. By the time Cote de Pablo was introduced as Ziva David in Season 3 in 2005, Harmon had already forged strong relationships with his co-stars, including Michael Weatherly and Pauley Perrette. The thought of adding a new dynamic to the cast raised concerns for Harmon, who understood how delicate the balance of on-screen chemistry could be.
“Chemistry is a big intangible in television,” Harmon once shared with Carnegie Mellon. He acknowledged the risks involved in introducing a major new character. Having worked hard to build a cohesive unit over the first two seasons, Harmon and his colleagues were understandably cautious about disrupting that progress.
However, Harmon’s doubts were quickly dispelled as he observed de Pablo’s talent and dedication. Known for his own strong work ethic, Harmon noticed that de Pablo matched his energy. Her commitment and professionalism made a lasting impression on him.
“Before I ever knew her, I remember seeing her on the squad room set,” Harmon recalled. “I watched her walk from Point A to Point B after a shot. I saw her interact with the crew, and it was clear that she was just being herself. Cote did nothing other than what she’d do every day.” Harmon’s concerns faded as he recognized that de Pablo’s personality and dedication made her a perfect fit for the team.
Cote de Pablo’s Unconventional Audition and Instant Chemistry with Michael Weatherly
Cote de Pablo’s path to NCIS was not without its challenges. During her audition, she was aware of the tough competition. What she didn’t know was that her audition tape had already impressed NCIS creator Donald Bellisario. However, her confidence wavered when she met another actress who revealed she was attending her 12th audition for the role of Ziva David.
Adding to the pressure, Michael Weatherly—already established as Tony DiNozzo—decided to improvise during their audition, catching de Pablo off guard. Coming from a theater background where sticking to the script is crucial, de Pablo found Weatherly’s unexpected approach challenging. “Coming from theater, my training is to respect the words and perform them as written,” de Pablo explained.
Despite the surprise, de Pablo remained focused. She kept her distance from Weatherly during the audition, which inadvertently created an on-screen chemistry that stood out to everyone. The producers, including then-executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson, noticed the natural and compelling dynamic between the two actors.
“When actors really listen and respond organically to each other, sometimes magic happens,” Johnson said. “They seemed to get that immediately, and it doesn’t always happen.”
De Pablo’s performance with Weatherly ultimately secured her the role. Bellisario, impressed by what he saw, decided on the spot that de Pablo was the right choice. After the audition, he asked Weatherly to drive de Pablo home so they could get to know each other better. Initially hesitant, de Pablo eventually accepted. Bellisario, unable to wait any longer, broke the news to her: “Damn it, I didn’t want to say it this way, but you got the job. I just need you to get familiar with Michael Weatherly.”
The car ride home allowed de Pablo and Weatherly to bond, paving the way for their on-screen partnership. Weatherly’s first impression of de Pablo was that she seemed distant and perhaps a bit aloof. However, by the end of the ride, he realized there was much more to her. “Initially, I thought, ‘Wow, this is a frosty, unfriendly, almost mean girl,’” Weatherly admitted. “But by the end of it, I thought, ‘Wow, she’s kind of sweet deep down.’ Cote has a way of getting very close to you when she talks, and you can’t help but be charmed.”
A Strong Partnership That Won Over Fans
Over time, de Pablo and Weatherly’s chemistry became one of the most beloved aspects of NCIS, making Ziva David an essential part of the team. Despite Mark Harmon’s initial reservations about adding a new member to the cast, Cote de Pablo’s talent, dedication, and the natural rapport she developed with her co-stars proved she was the perfect addition to the show.
