Inside Pauley Perrette’s Decision to Quit Acting After NCIS (EXCL)

Pauly Perrette has been a household name for millions of TV viewers for two decades – and remains one for seven years after his departure NCISCBS’s wildly popular crime procedural franchise. But when he said in a rare interview earlier this month that he would “never again” return to acting, it was unsurprising for those who knew Perrette, 55: the American goth sweetheart never intended to be an actor in the first place.

Indeed, Perrette first studied psychology, sociology and criminology, first at Valdosta State University in Georgia and then at John Jay College of Criminal Science in New York City, with the hope of joining the FBI. But things turned out very differently.

In the early 90s NYC – where he was pursuing a Master’s degree at John Jay – Pauley cut a striking figure in the downtown club scene as a white-mohawked bartender. After attracting the attention of a casting agent, she appeared in the 1994 ABC Afterschool Special. At the suggestion of an agent, he then moved to Los Angeles to see if he could get more acting. Arriving in LA in the late ’90s, Perrette quickly dominated the city’s queer rock and punk club circuit, gaining notoriety as a dancer at the underground Club Cherry and also performing in local bands at venues like the Viper Room.

The only thing he got was an acting role Frasier, The Drew Carey Show and Veronica’s closet. Then he got his first big break, a full season role Jennifer Love Hewitt‘s Party of Five spinoff series, Time of Your Life.

related: Every Star Who Left ‘NCIS’: Where Are They Now?

NCIS has been on the air since 2003 — and the fan-favorite drama is still going strong. The CBS series follows a group of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they investigate various crimes. Season 1 of NCIS begins with the main actors Mark Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette and (…)

Then he got a role that would change his life.

In 2003, Perrette played the role of Abby Sciuto NCISand quickly became the show’s breakout star alongside Hollywood veterans like Mark Harmon. Over the next 15 years, Perrette became one of the most recognizable and beloved female TV stars in the world.

“She never expected to become a famous actress,” a source said Us Weekly exclusive. “They feel uncomfortable with Hollywood rights, but the money gives them a lot of freedom, so they keep coming back.”

But NCIS offers Perrette a unique opportunity, said Clint Catalyst, a close friend of Perrette 25 years. “She was always grateful for the platform she was given, especially for being a strong role model for young girls. There weren’t many positive portrayals of intelligent, independent women – or goth or alternative types – on mainstream TV at the time.

Perrette also used her celebrity to champion social injustice. She works tirelessly as an advocate and philanthropist for LGBTQIA+ rights, animal rescue organizations, and civil rights groups. “There are more than 20 (charities and non-profits) he has contributed a lot of time, energy and money to,” Catalyst said. usnoted that they have contributed to scholarship funds, shelters for homeless women and children and more. “That’s just the type of person he is.”

In 2017, while popular on TV, Perrette famously left NCIS. At first, he refused to explain his decision, but in mid-2018 he broke his silence via Twitter (now X), claiming that he was “scared” of Harmon “attacking me” after being accused of “multiple physical attacks”.

CBS addressed Perrette’s claims, saying in a statement at the time: “Pauley Perrette has been doing well. NCIS and we will all miss him. Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with workplace concerns. We take these matters very seriously and work with them to find solutions. We are committed to a safe working environment at all shows.

“NCIS was a very dark place for him,” the source said. “Pauley felt he had no alternative but to quit.”

related: Every Star Who Left ‘NCIS’: Where Are They Now?

NCIS has been on the air since 2003 — and the fan-favorite drama is still going strong. The CBS series follows a group of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they investigate various crimes. Season 1 of NCIS begins with the main actors Mark Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette and (…)

“Let’s face it,” Catalyst said. “Hollywood isn’t known for being a mental health center. There were days when she decided she’d rather spend time at home with her rescue dog.

After the main role in brokenThe CBS sitcom was canceled after one season, Pauley walked away from acting for good. “Honestly, he’d rather socialize with trees than people in the entertainment industry,” Catalyst said.

Following brokenPerrette threw herself into a new career as a documentary filmmaker. “As long as I’ve known Pauley, he’s been a big fan of documentaries,” says Catalyst. “Directing and producing work that tells people’s stories and causes them to become champions seems like a logical progression.”

In 2023, he aims Red Ribbon Love, documentary about his church, The Hollywood United Methodist Church, and he has completed a second film, Studio One Foreverwhich tells the story of a legendary gay disco in Los Angeles.

“Pauley is finally exactly where he’s supposed to be,” the source added. “Making a documentary allows him to use celebrity to tell the stories he’s been trying to tell his whole life. The only thing surprising about his decision not to act anymore is that it took him so long.

Still, Perrette’s legacy on the small screen is secure. “Television is a powerful medium,” Catalyst said us. “I think in the same way that Will and Grace make it easier for some families to accept their gay children, Pauley’s character Abby helps some parents to meet children who wear a lot of black clothes and have tattoos or piercings.”

And fans can continue to see Perrette’s influence through documentaries and behind-the-scenes work. “He has a big heart and is deeply affected by injustice: for people, animals, the environment. He will be a philanthropist and activist as long as he breathes. I am sure of it,” said Catalyst. “He is an introspective and empathetic person who would rather spend his time in thought and prayer than on the screen or the red carpet.”