Pauley Perrette became a household name through her unforgettable portrayal of Abby Sciuto on the long-running hit television series NCIS. With her gothic appearance, intelligence, and charm, Abby stood out as one of the most beloved characters in TV crime drama history. Beyond acting, Perrette also made waves as a singer, writer, and activist.
But what is Pauley Perrette doing now?
Since retiring from acting, Perrette has focused her energy on personal healing, philanthropy, and creative endeavors outside of mainstream Hollywood. This article explores her current life, post-television activities, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Entry Into Entertainment
Born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Pauley Perrette had a varied upbringing that took her across several southern states. She studied criminal justice at Valdosta State University and later at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City—a background that helped inform her NCIS character.
Before landing major television roles, Perrette worked in commercials, voiceovers, and music videos. Her early acting credits included appearances in Frasier, 24, and Special Unit 2. Her mix of academic depth and punk-inspired style made her a distinctive presence in a competitive industry.
Breakthrough Role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS
Pauley Perrette’s breakthrough came in 2003 when she was cast as Abby Sciuto on NCIS. Her portrayal of a cheerful goth forensic scientist became iconic, setting her apart from typical crime show characters. Her unique style, witty dialogue, and genuine warmth helped make NCIS one of the highest-rated shows on television.
Perrette played Abby for 15 seasons, from 2003 to 2018, making her one of the longest-serving original cast members. She earned numerous fan-voted awards and built a passionate fanbase. Her performance contributed significantly to the show’s success and cultural impact.
Departure From NCIS and Industry Controversy
In 2018, Perrette shocked fans by announcing her departure from NCIS. Though initial statements cited personal reasons, she later revealed that her exit was tied to behind-the-scenes conflict and alleged unsafe working conditions.
She made several cryptic social media posts suggesting issues with “a very powerful machine” and cited concerns about on-set behavior. While she avoided naming individuals directly, speculation arose about on-set tensions, particularly with co-star Mark Harmon.
Her departure marked a significant turning point in her career, as she chose to leave the entertainment industry rather than compromise her values.
Brief Return to TV and Retirement From Acting
After leaving NCIS, Pauley Perrette returned to television for one more project. In 2020, she starred in the CBS sitcom Broke, which aired for a single season. Perrette played Jackie, a single mother whose wealthy sister and brother-in-law move in with her after losing their fortune.
While the show received mixed reviews, fans appreciated seeing Perrette in a comedic role. However, following the show’s cancellation, she confirmed she was retiring from acting permanently.
She stated publicly that she was “happily retired” and had no intention of returning to Hollywood, citing a desire to live authentically and free from industry pressures.
What is Pauley Perrette Doing Now?
As of the most recent updates, Pauley Perrette is retired from acting and lives a quiet, private life away from Hollywood. She resides in Los Angeles and dedicates her time to philanthropy, writing, and personal projects.
She remains active on social media, where she shares updates about her art, causes she supports, and reflections on life. Perrette has also been candid about her health struggles, including surviving a serious stroke in 2021, which she publicly revealed a year later to raise awareness.
Although no longer in the spotlight, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart, including civil rights, mental health, animal welfare, and disaster relief.
Health Scare and Stroke Recovery
In 2021, Perrette suffered a stroke, a life-altering event she revealed publicly in 2022. In a heartfelt video posted to Twitter, she shared that the stroke left her temporarily unable to speak or fully function. Fortunately, she made a strong recovery.
The experience deepened her commitment to living a meaningful life and raising awareness about stroke prevention and recovery. She expressed gratitude to her doctors, caregivers, and fans who supported her during recovery.
Her story brought attention to the health risks faced by individuals in high-stress careers and highlighted the importance of early medical intervention.
Philanthropy and Advocacy Work
Pauley Perrette has long been a dedicated philanthropist and activist. Over the years, she has supported numerous organizations, including:
- Project Angel Food
- Red Cross
- LGBTQ+ rights groups
- Domestic violence shelters
- Animal rescue organizations
She is known for making generous donations to causes related to disaster relief, women’s shelters, and healthcare. Her activism is deeply personal, often shaped by her own experiences and sense of social justice.
Although she no longer acts, Perrette’s work in charity and advocacy continues to have real-world impact and reflects her lifelong values.
Artistic Expression and Creative Outlets
In retirement, Pauley Perrette has embraced a variety of creative outlets, including writing, painting, and poetry. She occasionally shares her art and poetry with fans, offering an intimate look into her inner life.
She has hinted at writing a memoir or essays, though no formal announcement has been made. Her talent as a storyteller and her unique perspective could offer powerful insights into fame, identity, and healing.
Her creative pursuits today are more personal and introspective, offering her a sense of peace and connection beyond the pressures of entertainment.
Music Background and Career as a Singer
Before her acting career took off, Pauley Perrette had a passion for music. She was the lead singer in a Los Angeles-based punk band called Lo-Ball, and even contributed a track—Fear—to the Legally Blonde soundtrack.
Although she has not actively pursued music in recent years, she continues to express herself through artistic projects. Music remains part of her identity, and her past work is still celebrated by fans who appreciate the full range of her creative talents.
Relationship With Fans and Public Image
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Pauley Perrette remains beloved by her fans. Her honesty, quirkiness, and activism have made her a relatable figure for those who value individuality and kindness.
She continues to engage with her fanbase online, offering encouragement and sharing moments of joy, grief, and reflection. Her decision to leave acting on her own terms has been widely respected.
Perrette’s image today is one of resilience, authenticity, and compassion, qualities that continue to define her life post-Hollywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pauley Perrette still acting?
No, Pauley Perrette officially retired from acting after her 2020 sitcom Broke. She has stated that she is “happily retired” and does not plan to return to Hollywood.
What is Pauley Perrette doing now?
Pauley Perrette is focused on philanthropy, creative writing, and art. She lives a quiet life in Los Angeles and continues to advocate for causes like mental health, civil rights, and disaster relief.
Did Pauley Perrette have a stroke?
Yes, she suffered a stroke in 2021, which she revealed publicly in 2022. She has since made a strong recovery and uses her experience to raise awareness about stroke recovery.
Where does Pauley Perrette live?
Pauley Perrette resides in Los Angeles, California. She leads a private life away from the public eye, focused on health, creativity, and activism.
Why did Pauley Perrette leave NCIS?
Perrette left NCIS in 2018, citing concerns over workplace safety and behind-the-scenes conflict. She chose to exit the show after 15 seasons to protect her well-being and integrity.