Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Pauley Perrette's personal thoughts on her acting career as she enjoys time away from the spotlight

The actress played Abby Sciuto in NCIS

ncis pauley perrette home life
Hanna Fillingham
US Managing Editor
Share this:

Pauley Perrette was a fan favorite in NCIS for many years, where she played Abby Sciuto for 16 years.

MOST READ: Fans express disappointment in NCIS Hawai'i as star's absence is extended

Since leaving in 2018, the actress has made her thoughts clear about her future career in the entertainment industry.

"I'm retiring," she told TV Insider, while promoting the premiere for sitcom Broke in 2020. "And I meant it! Nobody believed me, but I did."

VIDEO: Pauley Perrette reunites with her former NCIS co-stars

In April 2021, Pauley took to Twitter to share a selfie of herself and opened up about the reaction she had got when announcing her retirement.

MORE: NCIS confirms return of well-loved character - and fans are excited

MORE: Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie unite with Today crew to bid bittersweet NBC farewell

She wrote: "The most interesting thing about saying you are retired is checking who is or who is not still your friend. (SHE CAN’T HELP MY CAREER NOW?!?!?!) Fascinating! And VERY TELLING!"

While fans often still ask Pauley - who has been keeping a low profile since retiring - whether she will one day return to NCIS - it is unlikely, according to her former co-star, Brian Dietzen.

Last year, rumors had been swirling that she would possibly return in some capacity, which were fuelled further after he shared a photo with Pauley on Twitter.

ncis pauley perrette return to show discussed

Fans would love to see Pauley Perrette return to NCIS

Talking to Looper, he replied: "No, I have not heard that. I talked to her over the weekend, and I've not heard anything from her. I do know that in this new script I was just reading, there's mention of her character — not necessarily her, or anything like that.

MORE: NCIS: LA star Daniela Ruah breaks silence after show is cancelled

RELATED: NCIS stars' famous families revealed: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sean Murray & more

"But that's the beautiful thing about the show. We can make mention of past characters that are no longer on the show and reference those people as you would a family member who no longer lives in the same house.

ncis pauley perrette

The NCIS actress previously announced that she had retired from acting

"You still talk about people. They're still in your heart. I love that there's a potential for that, but I haven't heard anything directly about her returning."

RELATED: Mark Harmon's big decision that impacted his career as an actor

MORE: NCIS star Vanessa Lachey in tears over epic crossover episode

Pauley herself has spoken out on a potential comeback to the program, revealing that she had no plans to.

Read more HELLO! US stories here

Like this story? Sign up to our HELLO! Mail newsletter to receive all the latest royal and celebrity news straight in your inbox.

More TV and Film

See more