Lauren Holly’s Exit from NCIS: A Drama-Free Goodbye Compared to Pauley Perrette’s Turbulent Departure
When Lauren Holly left NCIS, it was the epitome of a graceful exit—no scandals, no backstage drama, just a personal decision. Playing Director Jenny Shepard, a character tied closely to Gibbs’ past, Holly bowed out after Season 5. Her departure stood in stark contrast to the fiery exit of Pauley Perrette, whose allegations of toxicity made headlines.
For Holly, the reasons were refreshingly simple: the grind of commuting between Chicago and Los Angeles wore her down, even after moving her family to California. Though she enjoyed her time on set and valued her friendships with co-stars, she found herself growing bored with the role and missed the creative touch of the show’s creator, Don Bellisario, after his departure.
“I got bored with my part as the Director,” Holly shared. “Then the decision was made to kill me, and boy, did they. About five different ways!” Despite this, her departure was amicable, and she wished the show continued success, noting, “I hope it continues forever. It probably will…”
In contrast, Pauley Perrette’s dramatic exit from NCIS was mired in allegations of tension and toxicity, making Holly’s calm departure a breath of fresh air. For fans, it’s a reminder that not every TV goodbye has to end in fireworks or feuds—sometimes, it’s just about moving on.
