Why Pauley Perrette Is Done With Acting—and NCIS—for Good

For nearly 15 years, the character of Abby Sciuto lit up NCIS with her unique charm and iconic gothic style. The quirky, caffeine-fueled forensic expert, portrayed by Pauley Perrette, became one of television’s most beloved characters, helping catapult the procedural drama into worldwide fame. 

But fans hoping Abby's return may be in for some heartbreak—Perrette has made it clear she’s not only done with NCIS, but with acting in general.

From Fan Favorite to Final Exit

Abby's exit in Season 15 was a big change for the show. Her emotional farewell—leaving after the death of colleague Clayton Reeves to start a charity in his name—made fans feel both proud and sad.

What followed, however, shed light on deeper issues behind the scenes. After her exit, Perrette spoke publicly about alleged mistreatment and even physical intimidation on set, some involving lead actor Mark Harmon. Though CBS stated that the matter had been resolved, Perrette remained firm in her decision:

“I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it.”

The fallout was clear: Abby Sciuto wouldn’t be coming back.

A Short-Lived Return to TV—Then, Silence

In 2020, Perrette returned briefly to television in the CBS sitcom Broke. But after only one season, the show was canceled. It turned out that even then, she was questioning her place in the industry.

Adding to her story, Pauley Perrette suffered a stroke in 2021, which she later described was a truly life-changing event. Following that, she's gradually been taking a step back from the public eye, choosing to focus on things like charity work, documentaries, and her well-being.

Adding to her story, Pauley Perrette suffered a stroke in 2021, which she's said really shifted things for her. After that, she started to take a step back from the whole fame thing and really dedicate herself to charity work, producing documentaries, and her own healing.

Perrette Confirms: “I’m Done Acting”

In a recent interview with Hello Magazine, the 53-year-old actress finally confirmed what many suspected:

“I want to be me all the time... It takes courage to say that, but it’s how I truly feel. Going back to acting would take away from the authentic life I’m living now.”

She described acting as a kind of escape—a way to avoid facing herself during difficult times. Now, she says, she no longer wants to hide behind characters.

“I’m not ungrateful for what acting gave me, but I’m a different person now.”

Where Is She Now?

While she may never reprise her role as Abby, Pauley Perrette seems successful off-screen, continuing to work with various nonprofits, contribute to documentary projects, occasionally engage with fans on social media—with no sign of a return to acting.

It's a bittersweet yet inspiring goodbye. Abby Sciuto may be gone from our screens, but Pauley Perrette is writing her own next chapter—on her own terms.