After leaving NCIS in 2018, Pauley Perrette, known for her iconic role as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, stepped away from the limelight for a while, leaving fans wondering where she went. Her exit from the show, after 15 seasons, was a significant moment, and though it was initially reported as her choice to leave, it later came to light that there had been personal and professional reasons behind the departure.
Perrette has been open about some of the struggles she faced during her time on NCIS, particularly her experience with a toxic work environment. While she never named specific individuals, she expressed concerns about safety on set and the stress she endured. In interviews, Perrette revealed that her decision to leave was driven by her need for a healthier environment both mentally and physically, emphasizing the importance of her personal well-being.
Following her departure, Perrette chose to step away from acting to focus on other ventures. She became involved in charity work, using her platform to raise awareness about various causes, including animal rights and mental health. She has long been an advocate for animal rescue and welfare, and post-NCIS, she has continued to support these causes through her social media and public appearances. Perrette also explored other creative outlets, such as writing, though she has yet to return to a major acting role.
While she occasionally makes headlines for her public stances on political and social issues, Perrette has largely kept a low profile, focusing on her personal life. Fans have occasionally wondered if she’d ever return to the screen, but as of now, she remains content with her post-NCIS life, living in relative peace and maintaining her privacy.
In 2021, Perrette made headlines when she shared an emotional post on social media about her struggles with trauma and her journey toward healing, thanking fans for their ongoing support. Her honesty about her personal battles only deepened the respect many have for her, and it’s clear that her time after NCIS has been about self-care, advocacy, and personal growth.
Though NCIS fans miss her quirky and beloved character, it seems Pauley Perrette is content in her life after television, continuing to pursue her passions while staying largely out of the spotlight. Whether or not she’ll return to acting remains to be seen, but for now, Perrette seems to be thriving in a new chapter of her life.
