Pauley Perrette's NCIS story explained before her dramatic exit

Before Pauley Perrette After leaving Hollywood, the actress had great success with her performances NCIS.

For 15 seasons, Perrette played forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the hit CBS drama. But years after her highly publicized exit from the series in 2018, the actress said she has no interest in returning to the small (or big) screen again.

“If I became an actor again, I would lose this life of real authenticity that I live 100 percent,” Perrette said Hello! magazine in October 2024. “I want to be there for everything – the good, the bad and the painful.” I want to be myself all the time, and it takes a lot of courage to tell myself that, but it's authentic, how I feel.”

Since her departure from acting, Perrette has shifted her focus to producing documentaries. At the same time, many fans won't forget the show that made her a big star.

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Take a look back at Perrette's ups and downs at work NCIS:

The rise of Pauley Perrette

Although Perrette had roles in Almost famous and other projects, her acting career reached a whole new level when she joined in 2003 NCIS as Abby Sciuto. The actress appeared in more than 350 episodes and received three People's Choice Award nominations for Favorite Drama TV Actress.

“It's been an incredible journey that this little fictional television character has taken, and it's enormous and overwhelming for young girls all over the world,” she shared The conversation in 2018. “It not only made math and science a viable plan for them, but it also made it accessible, fun and inspired these girls.” It was so heartwarming and it was such a real thing. These are real people who now, 16 years later, have degrees in science and math thanks to Abby.”

Pauley Perrette says goodbye to “NCIS”

In October 2017, Perrette announced she was leaving the CBS drama. “So it’s true that I’m leaving NCIS …There have been all sorts of false rumors as to why (NO, I don't have a skincare line and no, my network and show are not mad at me!),” she wrote on X at the time. “It was a decision made last year became. I hope everyone will love and enjoy EVERYTHING ABBY, not just for the rest of this season, but for everything she has given us all for 16 years. All the love, all the laughter, all the inspiration. I love her as much as you do.”

Pauley Perrette's cryptic posts about her 'NCIS' exit

months after their announcement NCIS In the end, Perrette implied that she was physically attacked on set.

“Maybe I'm wrong if I don't 'tell the truth' and tell the story, THE TRUTH. I feel like I have to protect my crew, my jobs and so many people. But at what cost? I don't know. Just know, I'm trying to do the right thing, but maybe staying silent when it comes to crime isn't the right thing to do. I'm… Just…?” She wrote about X in May 2018. “I have always supported anti-bullying programs. But now I KNOW, because it was ME! When you have to go to school or work? It's terrible. I left. Multiple physical attacks. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your security. Tell someone.”

Following Perrette’s social media posts, CBS released a statement that read: “Pauley Perrette had a great run NCIS and we will all miss them. Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace issue. We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a solution. We are committed to providing a safe work environment at all of our shows.”

Perrette later wrote of X that CBS and the studio “were always so good to me and always had my back.”

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Pauley Perrette's relationship with costar Mark Harmon

Almost two years after her departure from NCISPerrette claimed her former co-star and executive producer was the reason for her exit. “NO, I’m not coming back! ALWAYS! (Please stop asking?) I'm terrified of Harmon and him attacking me,” she wrote on X in June 2019. “I have nightmares about it. I have a new show that is SAFE AND HAPPY! You'll love it! #HappyPlace I love you all!”

Harmon never publicly responded to Perrette's accusation. He went NCIS in 2021 after playing Jethro Gibbs for 18 years.