'NCIS' Cote de Pablo Departure: 'Personal'
Cote de Pablo addressed questions about her departure from "NCIS" this week, citing personal reasons.
The actress portrays Ziva David on the crime television series, but decided to part ways with the series after eight seasons.
"As far as my decision to leave, that's a personal thing, and I'd rather leave it at that," explained the 33-year-old star, according to TV Guide.
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The actress also gleaned insight on the complexity of her decision to leave "NCIS."
"The idea of leaving was not something I toyed around with for a long time," de Pablo continued. "It was an overwhelmingly hard thing- at times terrifying."
Nevertheless, de Pablo's adoring fans stood by her despite the unexpected departure.
"I was incredibly moved by the blind support people had without ever getting reasons as to why I left," she said, according to TV Guide. "People trusted that what I was doing was what I needed to do, and that's unconditional love from people who don't even know me. That's been the most beautiful thing out of this process."
The actress' character will be written off of the series in a fitting manner, but with the opportunity for her return.
"As far as the 'Tiva' fans, they'll get a resolution they've awaited for years," de Pablo added of her character, referring to the onscreen romance with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly).
"We offered Cote de Pablo a lot of money, and they we offered her even more money," said CBS president Leslie Moonves speaking to the press. "We really don't want to lose her, we love her; we think she was terrific. Ultimately, she decided she didn't want to do the show."
The new season of "NCIS" premiered on CBS on Sept. 24.
In other "NCIS" news, the television series has earned a spin-off New Orleans series.
