Inside Pauley Perrette’s Life After Hollywood: Where Is She After 'NCIS'?

Pauley Perrette rose to fame playing Abby on NCIS — but where is she now after stepping back from acting?

Perrette got her start in television and film with commercials, voice-overs, music videos and short films before making the move to Los Angeles in the ‘90s. After appearing in small onscreen roles, Perrette was cast to play Abby Sciuto on NCIS. She portrayed the fan-favorite role for 15 seasons before announcing her exit in 2017.

It took some time for Perrette to break her silence about what led to the shocking departure. She claimed her offscreen issues with former costar Mark Harmon largely contributed to her decision to walk away from the series — and she only took on one additional lead role before leaving acting entirely.

“I want to be here for it — the good and the bad and the painful,” she told Hello! Magazine in a rare interview in 2024 about life out of the spotlight. “I want to be me all the time, and it takes a good amount of courage for me to say that to myself but it’s authentically how I feel.”

Perrette explained that she was “not ungrateful for the benefits” that her acting career has given to her but she shifted her focus to executive producing documentaries.

“At this point in my life I have this deep need to find authenticity in everything, and being an actor, especially at certain points in my life, was a great escape; it’s like a drug because I didn’t have to be me, I could be somebody else,” she explained. “My character didn’t have all of the problems that I was having.”

Perrette added: “It’s why I only watch documentaries, I want the truth.”

Keep scrolling at a glimpse into Perrette’s life since her time on NCIS:

How Did Pauley Get Her Start?

Perrette’s first onscreen role was in a 1994 ABC Afterschool Special. At an agent’s suggestion, she moved to Los Angeles and subsequently became a dancer at the underground Club Cherry — in addition to performing at venues like the Viper Room.

She landed roles on Frasier, The Drew Carey Show and Veronica’s Closet before being cast opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt in the Party of Five spinoff series, Time Of Your Life.

Perrette also explored poetry and documentary production in her free time. Outside of the entertainment industry, Perrette co-owned Donna Bell’s Bake Shop, which she named after her mother until it closed in 2020 after nearly 10 years of business.

What Were Pauley’s Other Accomplishments?

Perrette initially studied psychology, sociology and criminal science with hopes of joining the FBI. Her career then shifted after she booked the role of Abby on NCIS, which revolves around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

“She never expected to become a famous actress,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in 2024. “She felt uncomfortable being around the entitlement of Hollywood, but the money gave her a lot of freedom, so she kept going back.”

What Led to Pauley’s Departure From Hollywood?

After playing Abby on NCIS for 15 seasons, Perrette announced in October 2017 that she would not be returning to the show. She claimed that she had endured “multiple physical assaults” on the show’s set that led to the decision.

“NCIS became a very dark place for her,” a source told Us in 2024. “Pauley felt she didn’t have any alternative other than quitting.”

Perrette elaborated two years later, when she accused former costar Harmon of being the reason behind her NCIS exit.

“NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me,” Perrette claimed in a 2019 social media post. “I have nightmares about it. I have a new show that is SAFE AND HAPPY! You’ll love it! #HappyPlace Love y’all!”

Perrette alleged that an NCIS crew member suffered injuries while on set.

“You think I didn’t expect blow back? You got me wrong. THIS happened To my crew member and I fought like hell to keep it from happening again!” she continued alongside a photo of the alleged crew member’s black eye. “To protect my crew! And then I was physically assaulted for saying NO!? and I lost my job.”

At the time, CBS responded to the allegations with a statement.

“Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her. Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern,” the statement read. “We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows.”

Harmon, who departed NCIS in 2021, has not publicly commented on the conflict. He made a rare comment about Perrette in November 2024, when he mentioned on the The Rich Eisen Show that she was one of his costars that was “so specifically good for the characters they were playing.”

Perrette went on to have a starring role in the short-lived sitcom Broke in 2020 before officially retiring from acting.

“Pauley is finally exactly where she should be,” the insider told Us. “The only surprising thing about her decision to never act again is that it took her so damn long.”

Has Pauley Appeared in Any Projects Since Then?

After retiring from acting in 2020, Perrette has transitioned into a producer role with various documentaries, including Red Ribbons of Love and Studio One Forever. Perrette’s advocacy has also extended to social media posts raising awareness about important social issues on her Instagram.

“Going back to being an actor would be taking away from this life of true authenticity that I’m living 100 percent of the time,” Perrette explained in an interview with Hello! magazine in October 2024 about how she is a “different person now” compared to who she was when she “accidentally” fell into acting.

Have There Been Any Updates About Pauley’s Health?

Perrette revealed in 2022 that she suffered a stroke one year prior that nearly killed her.

“One year ago I had a massive [stroke],” she wrote via X. “Before that I lost so many beloved family and friends, and daddy and then Cousin Wayne. Yet still a survivor after this traumatic life I’ve been given so far … and still so grateful, still so full of faith, and STILL HERE!”

Perrette tried to make light of the health scare, joking in an accompanying post, “How many times do I cheat death? I almost died from a hair dye allergy, I have food allergies. I’m a domestic violence and rape survivor.”

The former actress noted that she felt “good” despite the health setback, adding. “I’ve been through a lot in the last two years. Things that are harder than having a stroke. But I’m still here. And I’m still grateful. And thank you, those of you who are my friends.”

When Was Pauley’s Last Public Appearance?

In October 2024, Perrette posed for photos with director Marc Saltarelli at a special screening of Studio One Forever at Landmark Theatres Sunset in West Hollywood, California. Perrette has also documented her life in Los Angeles on her social media, where she last posted in early 2025.

Perrette has offered glimpses at a quiet life that has included gardening and caring for her foster dog. While she hasn’t appeared on screen since 2020, Perrette has filmed Instagram videos for fans and joined Cameo, which allows fans to purchase personalized video messages from their favorite celebrities.

“She has a huge heart and is deeply affected by injustice: to people, to animals, to the environment. She’ll be a philanthropist and activist for as long as she’s still breathing. I’m sure of it,” Clint Catalyst, Perrette’s close friend of 25 years, told Us in 2024. “She’s a very introspective and empathetic person who’d rather spend time in thought and prayer than on a screen or a red carpet.”

Catalyst added: “Let’s face it. Hollywood isn’t exactly known for being a hotbed of mental health. There just came a day when she decided she’d rather spend her time at home with her rescue dogs. … Honestly, she’d rather socialize with trees than people in the entertainment industry.”