In 2021, Pauley Perrette, widely recognized for her role as Abby Sciuto on “NCIS,” revealed that she had suffered a stroke. This disclosure came through a heartfelt social media video shared in September 2022, marking the first anniversary of the health crisis. The actress reflected on the challenges she faced during that time, including the loss of close friends and loved ones. Despite these hardships, Perrette expressed immense gratitude for her survival, identifying herself as a survivor who had triumphed over many life-threatening situations.
Perrette’s battle with health issues was not confined to the stroke alone. She had previously survived near-death experiences, including severe allergic reactions to certain foods and hair dyes. Her resilience was further tested by domestic abuse, sexual assault, and a terrifying attack by a mentally unstable homeless person. Despite the traumatic events she endured, Perrette stated that she finally felt good about herself, finding comfort in the company of her rescue pets and embracing her newfound strength.
Pauley Perrette during CBS Stars Party at Dodger Stadium at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage)
After stepping away from “NCIS,” Perrette’s appearance evolved, drawing mixed reactions from fans. In November 2021, she showcased a new look on Twitter, featuring vibrant rainbow-colored hair. While some fans were initially critical of her new hairstyle, with one troll labeling it as “ugly” and claiming she “looked cheap,” the tide of opinion began to shift in her favor by 2023. As more people learned about the struggles Perrette had faced, they became more supportive, admiring her courage and authenticity.
On July 24, 2023, Perrette shared several photos on Instagram, proudly displaying her rainbow-colored hair. The images captured her looking happy and radiant, a far cry from the criticisms she initially received. Fans responded positively, praising her resilience and beauty. Comments ranged from encouragement to admiration, with one fan advising her to “keep on being you,” while another affectionately referred to her as “Aunt P,” expressing love and admiration for the actress.
Perrette’s departure from “NCIS” in 2018, after 15 years on the show, was surrounded by controversy. Reports suggested that her exit was precipitated by a falling out with co-star Mark Harmon. The tension reportedly escalated after Harmon’s dog bit a crew member on set in 2016, requiring the individual to get 15 stitches. This incident allegedly created a rift between the two actors, culminating in Perrette’s decision to leave the show. Notably, in her final episode, their characters did not share a single scene together, symbolizing the off-screen discord.
In a 2019 Twitter post, Perrette publicly declared that she was “terrified of Harmon” and feared he might attack her. The actress also mentioned that she was haunted by nightmares related to the incident and expressed relief at moving on to a new, safer project. Despite the challenges she faced during her time on “NCIS,” Perrette emerged stronger, embracing her identity and finding solace in the support of her fans and her own inner strength.
