Emily ZemlerUpdated on: October 16, 2024 11:25 am GMT
Pauley Perrette, best known for her role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS, has announced she will “never again” return to acting. After leaving the show in 2018 and retiring in 2020, Perrette is embracing a new chapter in her life.
From Acting to Authenticity
In a recent interview with HELLO! magazine, the 55-year-old actress opened up about her decision. “I’m not ungrateful for the benefits that it gave to me,” she shared. However, she expressed that she is now a “different person” and wishes to experience life more authentically.
Perrette explained, “I want to be here for it – the good and the bad and the painful.” She emphasized the importance of being true to oneself, saying, “It takes a good amount of courage for me to say that to myself but it’s authentically how I feel.”
Journey of a Unique Career
Pauley Perrette’s journey into acting was somewhat accidental. Initially, she studied criminal science and sociology with ambitions of joining the FBI. Her acting career began in the early 1990s, with appearances in shows like Frasier and the film Almost Famous.
In 2003, she joined CBS’s NCIS, becoming a fan favorite as Abby Sciuto. Reflecting on her past experiences, she said, “There’s no drug that I ever did that worked as well as being an actor.” Perrette found acting to be a form of escape, allowing her to step into different characters and leave her problems behind.
A Shift Towards Reality
Now, Perrette has turned her focus toward authenticity. She mentioned her deep need to find truth in everything she does. “For me, going back to being an actor would be taking away from this life of true authenticity that I’m living 100% of the time,” she said.
Her retirement was not just a decision but a significant change in her life. She stated on social media, “I’m proud of my work. I love you guys! I AM FREE!!! (To be the tiny little simple human I am!).” This sentiment highlights her desire to live life without the pressures of fame.
Moving on from NCIS
Pauley left NCIS amid a series of rumors concerning her co-star Mark Harmon. In a social media post in 2019, she confirmed to fans, “I am NOT COMING BACK! EVER!” This strong declaration marked a clear turning point for the actress.
Reflecting on her post-NCIS career, Perrette said, “Actually, I retired after NCIS but BROKE was important, beautiful. I did my last dance & am proud of it!” Her sitcom, Broke, was canceled in 2020, but she viewed that time positively, marking her retirement as a new beginning.
The Future Ahead
Now that she’s stepped away from acting, Perrette is focusing on producing documentaries, such as Studio One Forever. This shift signifies a deeper commitment to exploring themes of real life and genuine stories—exactly what she craves.
Fans of Pauley Perrette still admire her for her memorable character and her contributions to television. However, they now respect her decision to prioritize her genuine self over the demands of acting.
Conclusion
Pauley Perrette has had an amazing journey. She went from being a famous actress to finding her true self. Now, she shows people that it’s important to see both the good and the bad in life. By deciding to leave acting, she shows that sometimes we need to take a break to grow and learn. Pauley proves that it’s never too late to chase after the life you really want.
