Who is Pauley Perrette?
Pauley Perrette is an American actress, singer, writer, and civil rights advocate best known for playing Abby Sciuto on NCIS. Her role as the quirky, goth forensic scientist won millions of fans worldwide. But beyond NCIS, Perrette has had an interesting career in Hollywood, music, and activism.
In this article, we’ll explore Pauley Perrette’s life, career, and why she left NCIS after 15 seasons.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Pauley Perrette was born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in various southern states, including Alabama and Georgia. As a child, Perrette was fascinated by crime shows and forensic science, which ironically became a huge part of her acting career.
Before becoming an actress, Perrette studied criminal justice at Valdosta State University and later moved to Los Angeles to study sociology. Her early jobs included working as a bartender and voice-over artist, which eventually led her into acting.
Her first acting roles were small appearances in TV shows like Frasier, The Drew Carey Show, and 24. However, her big break came in 2003 when she was cast as Abby Sciuto on NCIS.
Pauley Perrette’s Breakthrough as Abby Sciuto
When NCIS premiered in 2003, Perrette’s character, Abby Sciuto, quickly became a fan favorite. With her gothic fashion, pigtails, and cheerful personality, Abby stood out as one of the most unique characters on television.
Perrette’s background in criminal justice helped her bring authenticity to the role. Over the years, she became one of the longest-running cast members on NCIS, appearing in over 350 episodes.
Her chemistry with Mark Harmon (who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs) and her character’s brilliant forensic skills made her one of the most beloved stars on the show.
Why Did Pauley Perrette Leave NCIS?
After 15 seasons on NCIS, Pauley Perrette announced her departure in 2018. Fans were shocked and saddened, but the real reason behind her exit soon made headlines.
Allegations Against Mark Harmon
Reports surfaced that Perrette had conflicts with her co-star Mark Harmon. Allegedly, an incident involving Harmon’s dog biting a crew member led to tensions between the two. Perrette claimed that she faced workplace bullying and tweeted cryptic messages about “multiple physical assaults” without naming anyone specifically.
Although neither CBS nor Harmon confirmed these allegations, Perrette made it clear she would never return to the show.
Life After NCIS
After leaving NCIS, Perrette focused on other projects and personal causes.
Acting and TV Comeback
In 2020, Perrette returned to television in the CBS sitcom Broke, where she played Jackie, a struggling single mother. Although the show was canceled after one season, fans loved seeing her in a comedic role.
Music and Other Ventures
Beyond acting, Perrette has been involved in music, releasing songs under the name “Stop Making Friends.” She also wrote poetry and produced independent films.
Advocacy and Charity Work
Perrette has long been an advocate for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal welfare. She donates to numerous charities and actively supports causes like domestic violence awareness and disaster relief.
Pauley Perrette’s Health Scare
In 2022, Perrette revealed that she had suffered a stroke in 2021. She shared her experience on social media, stating that she felt lucky to be alive. Despite the health scare, she remains positive and continues to use her platform for good.
Where is Pauley Perrette Now?
Currently, Perrette has stepped away from acting and is focusing on her personal life, charity work, and creative projects. While she has no confirmed plans to return to TV, she remains active on social media and in humanitarian efforts.
Conclusion
Pauley Perrette’s career is a testament to talent, resilience, and dedication. From playing Abby Sciuto on NCIS to her advocacy work and personal challenges, she remains an inspiring figure in Hollywood.
Although her time on NCIS ended in controversy, Perrette continues to make a difference in the world in her own way. Fans may not see her on TV as often, but her impact remains strong.
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