Exploring Pauley Perrette’s Life Beyond Hollywood: What Is She Up to Now?

Pauley Perrette gained recognition for her role as Abby in NCIS — but where is she now after stepping away from acting?

Perrette began her career in television and film through commercials, voice-overs, music videos, and short films before relocating to Los Angeles in the ’90s. After taking on minor roles, she was cast as Abby Sciuto on NCIS, a fan-favorite role that she portrayed for 15 seasons before announcing her departure in 2017.

It took Perrette a while to discuss the circumstances surrounding her unexpected exit. She stated that her issues with former co-star Mark Harmon were a significant factor in her decision to leave the series — and she only took on one more lead role before retiring from acting completely.

“I want to be here for it — the good and the bad and the painful,” she shared with Hello! Magazine in a rare interview in 2024 about her life away from 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 clarified that while she is “not ungrateful for the benefits” her acting career provided, she has redirected her focus towards 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 times, was a great escape; it’s like a drug because I didn’t have to be me, I could be someone else,” she explained. “My character didn’t carry the problems I was facing.”

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

Keep scrolling for 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. Following an agent’s suggestion, she moved to Los Angeles and became a dancer at the underground Club Cherry, performing at venues like the Viper Room.

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

In her spare time, Perrette pursued poetry and documentary production. Outside the entertainment industry, she co-owned Donna Bell’s Bake Shop, named after her mother, until it closed in 2020 after nearly a decade of business.

What Were Pauley’s Other Accomplishments?

Initially, Perrette studied psychology, sociology, and criminal science, aspiring to join the FBI. However, her career trajectory changed after landing the role of Abby on NCIS, centered 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 with the entitlement prevalent in Hollywood, but the money provided her with a sense of freedom, prompting her to keep returning.”

What Led to Pauley’s Departure From Hollywood?

After portraying Abby for 15 seasons, Perrette announced in October 2017 that she would not return to the show. She claimed to have experienced “multiple physical assaults” on the set, which influenced her decision.

“NCIS became a very dark place for her,” a source told Us in 2024. “Pauley felt she had no choice but to quit.”

Two years later, she elaborated, accusing former co-star Harmon of being a major reason for her NCIS exit.

“NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me,” she stated 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 a crew member from NCIS had sustained injuries while on set.

“You think I didn’t anticipate backlash? You’ve got me wrong. THIS happened to my crew member, and I fought hard to prevent it from occurring again!” she continued alongside a photo of the injured crew member. “To protect my crew! And then I was physically assaulted for saying NO!? and I lost my job.”

In response, CBS issued a statement regarding the allegations.

“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 mentioned. “We took the matter seriously and worked with her to reach a resolution. We are committed to maintaining a safe work environment on all our shows.”

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

Perrette later starred in the short-lived sitcom Broke in 2020 before officially retiring from acting.

“Pauley is finally exactly where she should be,” an insider disclosed to Us. “The only surprising aspect of her decision to stop acting is that it took her so long.”

Has Pauley Appeared in Any Projects Since Then?

After retiring from acting in 2020, Perrette transitioned to producing various documentaries, including Red Ribbons of Love and Studio One Forever. She has also used social media to advocate for important social issues on her Instagram account.

“Returning to acting would detract from this life of authentic living that I’m embracing 100 percent of the time,” Perrette explained in an October 2024 interview with Hello! magazine, reflecting on how she is a “different person now” compared to when she “accidentally” ventured into acting.

Have There Been Any Updates About Pauley’s Health?

In 2022, Perrette revealed that she suffered a stroke the previous year that nearly cost her life.

“One year ago, I had a massive [stroke],” she wrote via X. “Before that, I lost many beloved family and friends, including my father and Cousin Wayne. Yet I remain a survivor after this traumatic journey I’ve experienced so far… and I continue to be grateful, filled with faith, and STILL HERE!”

Lightening the mood about her health scare, she joked in a follow-up 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.”

Despite her health setback, the former actress stated that she felt “good,” adding, “I’ve gone through a lot in the last two years. Challenges harder than having a stroke. But I’m still here. And I remain grateful. Thank you to 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. She has also shared glimpses of her life in Los Angeles on her social media, with her last post dating back to early 2025.

Perrette has shown glimpses of a peaceful life filled with gardening and caring for her foster dog. While she has not appeared on screen since 2020, she has filmed Instagram videos for her fans and joined Cameo, allowing fans to purchase personalized video messages from their favorite celebrities.

“She has a huge heart and is profoundly impacted by injustice: to people, animals, and the environment. She’ll be an advocate and philanthropist for as long as she’s alive, I’m certain of it,” Clint Catalyst, Perrette’s close friend of 25 years, told Us in 2024. “She’s a deeply introspective and empathetic person who’d rather spend her time in contemplation than on camera or at a red carpet event.”

Catalyst also mentioned, “Let’s face it. Hollywood isn’t exactly recognized for prioritizing mental health. There came a time when she decided she’d prefer to spend her time nurturing her rescue dogs at home. … Honestly, she’d rather connect with nature over the entertainment industry.”