Pauley Perrette, known for her role as Abby Sciuto in NCIS, shares striking similarities with her on-screen character. Beyond her acting career, Perrette is deeply committed to her community and has transitioned into comedy following a series of personal challenges.
Born in New Orleans in 1969, Perrette had a nomadic early life, moving through various Southern states before settling in Georgia for high school. Her interest in crime fiction began at a young age, influenced by events like the Atlanta child homicides of 1979-1981.
After high school, she enrolled at Valdosta State University and later moved to New York City to attend John Jay School of Criminal Science. However, fate led her into the world of acting, where she achieved recognition for her talent.
Perrette’s big break came with her role in the movie “Almost Famous” in 2000, setting the stage for her iconic portrayal of Abby Sciuto in NCIS. Despite initial challenges, the show became immensely popular, earning numerous awards and establishing Perrette’s career.
While her career thrived, her personal life had its share of difficulties, including a divorce from Canadian actor and musician Coyote Shivers and a restraining order against him. Tensions with her NCIS co-star Mark Harmon reportedly arose after a dog bite incident on set.
After nearly a decade playing Abby, Perrette struggled to bid farewell to the character and the show. Her emotional departure was met with sadness by fans and coworkers alike. Despite tweeting in 2019 that she would never return to NCIS, Perrette expressed gratitude for the show’s impact on her life and career.
Beyond her acting, Perrette is a compassionate individual dedicated to making a difference in the world. Her commitment to her community and her passion for comedy mark the next chapters in her remarkable life and career.