NCIS actress Pauley Perrette has left Abby Scuito behind.
Pauley Perrette has played one of the most lovable science nerds on television for the past fifteen years.
Perrette has played Abby Scuito since NCIS began airing in 2003.
Abby is a forensic scientist at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service headquarters at the Washington Navy Yard, with expertise in ballistics, digital forensics, and DNA analysis. Her gothic fashion sense and fascination with death contrast starkly with her enthusiastic demeanour.
Perrette announced late last year that she would be exiting the show. Her last appearance will air on Tuesday 1 May and Tuesday 8 May in the US, ahead of the show’s Season 15 finale (on May 22).
Why Pauley Perrette is leaving NCIS
In October 2017, Perrette announced her departure from the show. This is the emotional post shared by Perrette:
“It is true that I am leaving NCIS after this season… It was a decision made last year. I hope everyone will love and enjoy EVERYTHING ABBY not only for the rest of this season, but for everything she has given all of us for 16 years. All the love, all the laughter, all the inspiration. I love her as much as you do.”
The actress shared the news after rumours surfaced about her exit. It was speculated that she was moving on to work on a skincare range, and that the show had axed her due to a disagreement. Perrette cleared these rumours in her post.
Perrette also shared photographs taken with her fellow cast members on her last day on the set of NCIS.
Her future
The exact details of Perrette’s plans remain hidden. However, she has shared that she still misses Abby and often cries about having left the show. She describes a feeling of ‘grief’ over the loss of beloved Abby.
Abby’s character inspired many fans to develop a love of science. Perrette has therefore created a scholarship fund for women hoping to pursue a career in science, maths and forensics in honour of Abby.