Pauley Perrette, known for her portrayal of the eccentric forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS, shares many similarities with her famous character in real life. Not only does she dedicate her time to giving back to the community, but she has also recently made a transition from crime-solving to comedy. And let us tell you, she looks amazing with her new look!
In her life, Pauley Perrette has achieved remarkable success. From a small-town childhood in the South, she ventured into the comedy industry and eventually rose to fame as the brilliant forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide.
However, her 15 years on the show were not without their challenges. She had to cope with a persistent stalker for more than a decade and ended up leaving the show under unpleasant circumstances. Despite these setbacks, Pauley Perrette emerged as a stronger person and found solace in the comedy scene, which has always been her true calling.
Let’s take a closer look at her journey – from her upbringing in various Southern states to landing a significant role in one of TV’s top shows.
A Childhood Full of Intrigue and Curiosity
Describing her upbringing is not easy for Pauley Perrette. Born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she spent her early years moving around the South – from North Carolina to South Carolina and Tennessee. Eventually, she settled in Georgia to attend high school.
Even as a child, Perrette had a deep fascination with crime fiction. She would imagine herself playing in a rock ‘n’ roll band, working with animals, or even joining the FBI. The Atlanta child murders, which took place between 1979 and 1981, deeply impacted her young mind. Living in Georgia at that time, she was around the same age as the victims and lived near the Chattahoochee River, where some of the crimes occurred.
“I became intrigued with that case, even though I was pretty young. I also developed a severe obsession with Jonestown. I’ve always been drawn to understanding the minds of terrible people, even at a young age,” Perrette revealed.
Her fascination with criminals continued as she graduated from high school and pursued a degree at Valdosta State University in Georgia. Later, she made her way to New York City, where she enrolled in the John Jay School of Criminal Science. Her passion for learning led her to work multiple jobs to support her education.
“I desired to receive all A’s. I am greatly interested in higher education and enjoy learning,” Perrette shared. From working on boats in Manhattan to bartending in the club-kids scene, she did whatever it took to fund her studies.
A Twist of Fate on the Path to Success
While many people in New York City aspired to be actors, Perrette did not actively pursue acting as a career. For her, it all happened by chance – being in the right place at the right time.
It started with Perrette overhearing a girl claiming she earned over $3,000 from a commercial in a single day to pay for her Master’s degree. Inspired, Perrette decided she wanted to earn that amount too. As luck would have it, a filmmaker took notice of her and cast her in music videos and advertisements. Perrette majored in sociology, psychology, and criminal science during her undergraduate studies, which unknowingly laid the foundation for her future in acting.
“I was researching human behavior, which, strangely, has shown to be an excellent backdrop for actors in terms of developing and comprehending characters and their thoughts, feelings, and interactions,” Perrette explained.
In the early 1990s, Perrette appeared in various television shows, including Frasier and The Drew Carey Show, before landing a role in the iconic film Almost Famous in 2000. But it was her portrayal of Abby Sciuto that would surpass all her previous accomplishments.
Abby Sciuto: From Cult Favorite to International Star
When NCIS first aired, it wasn’t an overnight sensation. But as the seasons passed, Perrette and her cast mates quickly found themselves at the helm of one of the US’s top drama television shows. NCIS received critical acclaim, earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations and numerous ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards.
For Perrette, the show was a game-changer. Not only did it provide her with her first significant role, but it also catapulted her to stardom. She fell in love with the character of Abby Sciuto and took pride in her work.
“The cast and crew here, we love our jobs so much, and we love our show. To hold the top spot is fantastic. Our show is the best-rated scripted program on the planet. Although that is wonderful, what it means to us is that we can continue doing this,” Perrette expressed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
With an impressive 354 episodes under her belt, Perrette worked on several projects alongside NCIS. She made guest appearances as Abby Sciuto on both NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.
Life’s Trials and Farewell
Despite her success on the show, not everything in Perrette’s life was smooth sailing. Her marriage to Canadian musician and actor Coyote Shivers ended in turmoil, with Perrette obtaining a restraining order against him. She also faced challenges within the NCIS set, with rumored tension between her and Mark Harmon.
Saying goodbye to a role she had portrayed for over a decade was a difficult pill to swallow for Perrette. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, she expressed her sadness at leaving the beloved program.
“The thought of a world without Abby makes me sad. I’m pretty sad about that,” Perrette confessed.
But she made it clear that she was “never going back to NCIS” through a tweet in 2019, where she also mentioned being “terrified” of Mark Harmon. Despite the challenges, Perrette remains committed to using her platform to assist others and spread positivity.
Pauley Perrette is an exceptional person who continues to inspire others through her dedication to giving back. As we bid farewell to Abby Sciuto, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for Perrette. Don’t forget to share this incredible story with your family and friends!
