Former NCIS fan-favorite Pauley Perrette has made it clear—she’s done with acting, and she has no plans to return. After more than two decades in television, the actress best known for portraying goth forensic scientist Abby Sciuto has stepped away from the spotlight and embraced a new path centered on authenticity, healing, and truth.
A Long-Standing Career Ends with a Bold Decision
Pauley Perrette’s acting career took off in 2003 when she joined the original cast of NCIS, quickly becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters. Her quirky, energetic portrayal of Abby—complete with jet-black pigtails and lab coats—became a defining feature of the series. Over her 15-year run, Perrette worked alongside NCIS staples like Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, David McCallum, and Cote de Pablo, appearing in over 350 episodes.
Despite the massive success of NCIS, Pauley stunned fans when she announced her exit from the show in 2017. Her final episode aired during Season 15, leaving viewers emotional as Abby bid farewell to the NCIS team.
What Sparked the Departure?
Initially, Perrette kept the reasons for her departure under wraps, but by 2019, she began to speak out. In now-deleted tweets, she accused a co-star—widely assumed to be Mark Harmon—of creating a “toxic” work environment. She alleged an incident involving a dog bite and physical altercations that made her feel unsafe on set.
“NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it,” Perrette wrote online, adding that she felt “safe and happy” while working on her new CBS sitcom Broke.
Mark Harmon has never publicly commented on the allegations, and CBS never officially confirmed the details. However, Perrette’s public stance was firm: her time on NCIS was over.
From Acting to Authenticity
In 2020, Perrette took to social media once more—but this time, it wasn’t just about NCIS. She announced that she was stepping away from acting entirely.
“I have officially retired from acting,” she posted, much to the disappointment of longtime fans. But for Perrette, the decision was deeply personal and came from a place of growth and self-awareness.
In an interview with HELLO! in October 2020, Perrette elaborated on why she left the entertainment industry behind.
“I’m not ungrateful for the benefits that it gave to me,” she said. “But I’m a different person now and I want to be here for it—the good and the bad and the painful. I want to be me all the time.”
Perrette emphasized her desire to live with authenticity and no longer hide behind fictional characters.
“At certain points in my life, being an actor was a great escape. It’s like a drug, because I didn’t have to be me. My character didn’t have all of the problems that I was having.”
The Shift Toward Real Life and Documentaries
Now 55, Pauley Perrette lives a very different life than the one she led during her years on a network TV hit. Rather than acting, she’s devoted herself to watching and supporting documentaries, which she says offer the kind of truth and realism she now craves.
“It’s why I only watch documentaries. I want the truth,” she shared with HELLO!. “For me, going back to being an actor would be taking away from this life of true authenticity that I’m living 100% of the time.”
This new chapter has allowed her to find peace and purpose in a world that doesn’t require makeup trailers, scripts, or red carpets.
Mental Health and Personal Healing
Perrette has also been candid about her mental health journey. Over the years, she’s alluded to personal struggles and the toll that fame and a high-pressure work environment can take. For her, leaving acting wasn’t just a career move—it was a form of self-care.
Her post-NCIS years have been focused on healing, connecting with loved ones, and finding fulfillment beyond the camera lens. By stepping out of the public eye, she’s been able to build a life that prioritizes her well-being over applause.
Pauley Today: A New Purpose
While fans may miss seeing Pauley Perrette on screen, her story is one of empowerment. In an industry that often pushes actors to keep performing for fear of losing relevance, Perrette made a bold move to put herself first.
She now uses her platform to advocate for truth, mental health awareness, and authenticity—values that resonate deeply in a post-pandemic world where many are re-evaluating what matters most.
Will She Ever Return? Probably Not
Despite occasional rumors about a possible return to acting or NCIS, Pauley’s stance remains unchanged. She is content with her decision and urges fans to respect it.
So, for those holding out hope for an Abby Sciuto comeback: don’t count on it. But if you admire Pauley Perrette for more than just her acting chops, her journey into authenticity might be the most inspiring chapter yet.