Pauley Perrette’s Shocking NCIS Exit: Feud with Mark Harmon and Why She’ll Never Return
Pauley Perrette, beloved for her role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS, shocked fans when she exited the show at the end of Season 15. While Abby’s farewell was heartfelt, it didn’t sit right with fans when she left Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) a note instead of sharing a final scene with him. It wasn’t until later that Perrette revealed the reason behind this choice: a brewing feud with Harmon.
After her departure, Perrette took to social media, claiming that a “rich, very powerful publicity machine” had kept her silent about the real reason for her exit. She hinted that “he did it,” and shared how she’d been bullied and even physically assaulted on set. Though she never named names, many speculated that the issue was with Mark Harmon, especially after rumors of a 2016 incident where Harmon’s dog allegedly bit a crew member. Perrette reportedly confronted him about it, which ignited tension between the two. Harmon’s camp denied the accusations, but the damage was done.
In 2019, Perrette confirmed the feud, saying she was “terrified” of Harmon and had nightmares about working with him. She claimed she had been physically assaulted and that her career had suffered as a result. Despite the drama, she thanked CBS for her time on the show and moved on.
After NCIS, Perrette briefly returned to TV with Broke, but the show was canceled after one season. By 2020, she announced her retirement from acting, stating that the role she played on NCIS was a form of escape from her personal struggles. Now, in 2024, she reiterated that she would never return to acting, explaining that she seeks “authenticity” in everything she does and feels that acting no longer aligns with her life.
As for her return to NCIS, it’s clear: Perrette is done with acting and will never reprise her role as Abby Sciuto.
