For 15 years, Pauley Perrette captivated NCIS fans as Abby Sciuto, the quirky and brilliant CSI with a distinctive style. Abby played a crucial role in cracking cases, and Perrette loved the character throughout most of her run. “It’s a total blessing. I love my job!” she told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2010. “People adore Abby. I love her. I think she’s awesome. I want to be her.”
Perrette also highlighted Abby’s positive impact on women in STEM, serving as a role model for aspiring scientists. “Abby has been an incredible role model,” she said in a video (via E! News), praising the character’s intelligence and passion for science.
However, despite her affection for Abby, Perrette grew unhappy behind the scenes, ultimately leaving the show in 2017 after 15 seasons. Here’s why she decided to step away from NCIS.