Shocking Revelation: The Truth Behind Pauley Perrette's Shocking Departure from NCIS

Summary

Pauley Perrette's departure from NCIS was influenced by an incident involving a dog belonging to Mark Harmon, which made her feel unsafe on set.

Perrette, a staunch supporter of animal rights, expressed her concerns regarding the dog's participation and its potential influence on the show.

Having been part of the main cast since 2003, Perrette believed it was the right moment to depart from the show and embark on fresh ventures.

The producers of NCIS reflect on Pauley Perrette's departure and openly explain the reasons behind the Abby actor's exit from the long-running procedural. Perrette has been a part of NCIS since its inception, appearing in two episodes of JAG which served as a pilot for the spinoff show. She remained a main cast member from its start in 2003 until her unexpected departure in 2018, and continues to be one of the franchise's most beloved characters.

In a new oral history honoring the 20th anniversary of the NCIS premiere, executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson and former CBS Entertainment President Glenn Geller discuss Perrette's departure. Johnson mentions that an incident involving Mark Harmon's (Gibbs) dog played a role in the process, while Geller speaks highly of Perrette. Read their quotes below:

Johnson: The incident involving a dog on the show became a concern for Pauley Perrette. The dog belonged to Harmon and allegedly bit someone. Pauley had a strong affinity for animal welfare and felt that it was not safe for the dog to continue appearing on the show. As a result, she decided to leave the show at the end of that year.

Geller: Abby, portrayed by Pauley Perrette, became one of the most adored television characters of the 21st century.

How Has NCIS Handled Abby's Exit?

Abby bids farewell in NCIS season 15 after the tragic death of MI6 agent Clayton Reeves, who sacrifices himself to protect her from a hired assassin. Though wounded in the attack, Abby survives and embarks on a pursuit to identify the mastermind behind the plot. To her surprise, she discovers that the orchestrator is a former acquaintance with expertise in covert operations. Employing her cunning, Abby manipulates him into confessing, leading to his eventual arrest.

Following these events, Abby makes the decision to resign from her position. She accompanies Clayton's body back to England and establishes a charitable organization to honor him and his mother, while also assisting the homeless community. Since then, there has been a deliberate effort to evoke Abby's presence by mentioning her character more frequently and discussing her contributions to NCIS in a natural manner.

Perrette, who previously announced her retirement from acting, has been transparent about her strained relationship with Harmon. In a tweet dating back to 2019, following her departure from NCIS, Perrette stated, "I will not be returning! Ever! (Please refrain from asking?) I live in fear of Harmon and the potential harm he may cause me. It haunts my dreams." The recent statements from the show's producers and network team provide additional insight into the dispute, making a potential comeback for Abby unimaginable.