Why Pauley Perrette Left NCIS & Retired From Acting
Retired actress Pauley Perrette's Abby Sciuto was a beloved part of NCIS, but her exit from the show is a result of BTS problems with a co-star.
- Pauley Perrette’s portrayal of Abby Sciuto on NCIS made her a beloved and iconic character, known for her gothic style and brilliant mind.
- Perrette’s departure from NCIS was a result of an alleged feud with co-star Mark Harmon, leading to a strained working environment.
- After her sitcom Broke was canceled, Perrette announced her retirement from acting, marking the end of a significant chapter in TV history.
Pauley Perrette is widely recognized for her distinctive contribution to television, particularly through her role in the popular crime drama series NCIS, but Perrette abruptly left the show in 2018. Before gaining widespread fame, Perrette had a diverse career, appearing in various roles across numerous TV shows and films, including Dawson’s Creek, The Ring, and Almost Famous. However, it was her portrayal of the quirky and beloved forensic scientist, Abby Sciuto, in NCIS that cemented her status as a famous actor. Her character, known for her gothic style and brilliant mind, quickly became a fan favorite due to Perrette’s charismatic and nuanced performance.
But Abby Sciuto was more than just a forensic scientist on NCIS; she was the heart of the team, often bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence to the table. Debuting in 2003, Perrette’s portrayal of Abby spanned over 15 seasons, and she appeared in the spinoffs NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. making her one of the longest-serving cast members in the show. Perrette’s departure from NCIS in 2018 marked the end of an era for many fans, who had grown to love her character’s wit, warmth, and intelligence, and was ultimately a result of behind-the-scenes problems.
Pauley Perette Left NCIS Due To An Ongoing Feud With Mark Harmon
Pauley Perrette’s departure from NCIS in 2018 was shrouded in controversy, stemming from an alleged ongoing feud with her co-star, Mark Harmon. Reports suggest that the tension escalated due to a disagreement involving Harmon’s dog on the set, leading to a strained working environment. Perrette claimed that Harmon’s dog bit her behind the scenes, and what followed was Perrette becoming “terrified” of Harmon. The actor took to Twitter to express her concerns, hinting at “multiple physical assaults” without explicitly naming Harmon. This public declaration added fuel to the speculation about the feud, creating a media storm.
NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it. I have a new show that is SAFE AND HAPPY! You’ll love it!#HappyPlace
AdvertisementLove y’all!Advertisement— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) June 7, 2019
The culmination of these events led to a dramatic exit for Perrette’s character, Abby Sciuto, who was written out of the show, with the explanation that she wanted to start a charity for Clayton Reeves, an MI6 agent who died saving her life. Abby’s departure was a significant turning point for NCIS, leaving fans with a mix of sadness and curiosity about the real reasons behind Perrette’s exit. Perrette noted that she would never return to the series, and in another tweet, she added: “You think I didn’t expect blow back? You got me wrong. THIS happened To my crew member and I fought like hell to keep it from happening again! To protect my crew! And then I was physically assaulted for saying NO!?and I lost my job.”
Perrette Retired From Acting After Her Sitcom Broke Was Cancelled
Following her exit from NCIS, Pauley Perrette ventured into a new territory with the sitcom Broke. The series follows Jackie Dixon (Perrette), a single mother, who has to take in her wealthy sister’s family when they lose all their money. However, Broke struggled to find its footing and was eventually canceled after its first season. This setback was significant for Perrette, who had taken on the project with much enthusiasm. In light of this, she announced her retirement from acting, stating that her venture into Broke was an exception, as she had already retired post-NCIS (via Twitter).
Despite the disappointing end to Broke, Perrette’s career remains a testament to her talent and versatility. She has left an indelible mark on the television landscape, especially through her iconic role in NCIS. Her retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in TV history but also serves as a reminder of her impactful contribution to the industry. Her fans continue to celebrate her legacy, and her influence on the world of television remains undisputed.
