Pauley Perrette is an American actress, producer, singer, writer, and former civil rights advocate. She is best known for portraying Abby Sciuto in the long-running CBS crime drama NCIS, a role that earned her international recognition and made her one of television’s most beloved forensic characters.
Essential Data
- Full Name: Pauley Perrette
- Stage Name: Pauley Perrette
- Born: March 27, 1969
- Age: 57 years old
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Occupation: Actress, Producer, Singer, Writer
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Ethnicity: White American
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Donna Bell, Paul Perrette
- Siblings: Joshua Perrette, Andi Perrette
- Spouse: None
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $22 million USD
Early Life and Education
Pauley Perrette was born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, to Donna Bell and Paul Perrette. She grew up alongside two siblings, Joshua Perrette and a sister named Andi Perrette.
She spent much of her childhood living in several states across the United States before the family eventually settled in Georgia.
Pauley attended Valdosta State University and later studied Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
Career
Pauley Perrette began her entertainment career in the early 1990s after moving to New York City, where she worked in commercials, music videos, and independent films before relocating to Los Angeles.
She appeared in television series including Murder One, Frasier, The Drew Carey Show, Time of Your Life, That’s Life, Special Unit 2, 24, and CSI, steadily building her reputation as a talented television actress.
Her breakthrough came in 2003 when she was cast as Abby Sciuto in NCIS, a role she portrayed for 15 seasons until her departure in 2018.
Abby became one of the most popular characters in the franchise, earning Perrette widespread acclaim and multiple People’s Choice Awards. After leaving NCIS, she starred in the CBS sitcom Broke (2020).
In 2020, Pauley announced her retirement from acting, stating that she was satisfied with her career and wished to pursue a quieter life away from Hollywood. As a result, she has not officially announced upcoming film or television projects.
Awards and Nominations
- People’s Choice Awards – Favourite TV Crime Drama Actress – Winner (Multiple Times)
- People’s Choice Awards – Favourite Dramatic TV Actress – Winner
- Gracie Allen Awards – Outstanding Female Actor in a Leading Role – Winner
- Prism Awards – Winner
- Teen Choice Awards – Multiple Nominations
Social Media
- Instagram: @realpauleyp
- Facebook: Pauley Perrette
- X(formerly twitter) : @PauleyP
Personal Life
Pauley Perrette, 57, is currently single. She was previously married to musician Coyote Shivers from 2000 to 2006, and the marriage ended in divorce. She later dated former British Royal Marine Thomas Arklie, and the couple became engaged in 2011 before eventually ending their relationship.
She has no children and stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. Outside acting, Perrette is passionate about civil rights advocacy, animal welfare, humanitarian work, disaster relief, and charitable organizations. Following her retirement from acting, she has focused on philanthropy and enjoying a private life.
Net Worth
Pauley Perrette has a net worth of $22 million USD. Her income was primarily generated through television acting, producing, music projects, endorsements, royalties, and public appearances. Her long-running role on NCIS, where she became one of the highest-paid actresses on television, contributed significantly to her financial success.
Filmography
- The Price of Kissing
- Almost Famous
- My First Mister
- Hungry Hearts
- Ash Tuesday
- Potheads: The Movie
- Satan Hates You
Television
- Murder One
- The Drew Carey Show
- Time of Your Life
- Frasier
- Special Unit 2
- 24
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- NCIS
- Broke