Why 'NCIS' star will 'never return' to acting after abrupt exit

For 15 seasons, Pauley Perrette was synonymous with her character Abby Sciuto, a forensic specialist on “NCIS.”

But in 2017, she shocked fans when she announced that she would not be returning to the popular crime series. At the time of the announcement, Perrette said it was a decision made a year earlier.

Since then, she has only appeared in the now-defunct sitcom “Broke” and has since moved from being seen on television to rarely seen. Perrette now says she will “never” return to acting.

PAULEY PERRETTE THANKS CBS FOR RESPONDING TO YOUR ATTACK SUGGESTIONS

Pauley Perrette played forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on “NCIS” for 15 seasons. She left the show in 2017. (Richard Foreman/CBS via Getty Images)

“I am not ungrateful for the benefits it has brought me,” she said in an interview with HELLO! “But I’m a different person now and I want to be there for everything – the good, the bad and the painful.”

“I want to be myself all the time,” she continued. “And it takes a lot of courage to say that to myself, but it’s authentic to how I feel.”

Pauley Perrette, whose last acting gig was in 2020, insists she will “never” act again. (Patrick McElhenney/CBS via Getty Images)

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“At this point in my life I feel a deep need to find authenticity in everything and being an actor, especially at certain points in my life, has been a great escape; it's like a drug because I didn't have to be myself, I could be someone else. My character didn't have all the problems I had.

“Being an actor, especially at certain times in my life, has been a great escape; it’s like a drug because I didn’t have to be myself.”

—Pauley Perrette

But Perrette hasn't turned her back on the entertainment industry entirely. She now produces films, especially documentaries; Her most recent project is “Studio One Forever” in 2023.

“That's why I only watch documentaries, I want the truth. If I became an actor again, I would lose this life of true authenticity that I live 100%.”

After leaving “NCIS,” Pauley Perrette claimed she was terrified of former co-star Mark Harmon. (Sonja Flemming/CBS/Getty Images)

A few days after Perrette's final “NCIS” episode aired in May 2017, she wrote on social media that she had suffered “multiple physical assaults,” suggesting that this was the real reason she left the show.

Fans continued to be devastated and hoped she would return, but the actress insisted she wouldn't. In June 2019, Perrette pleaded with the public to stop asking if she would ever reprise her role again, claiming she was “terribly afraid” of former co-star Mark Harmon “and that he would attack me.”

There were reports that the two clashed on set over a dog bite, but this was never confirmed.

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CBS later announced that Perrette had raised workplace concerns before leaving the show and that the network had investigated. Perrette expressed her appreciation for both the studio and the network.

“NCIS” is still on the air – the 22nd season premieres on October 14th.

Pauley Perrette has changed her role in the entertainment industry and is now producing documentaries. (Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

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