5 Shocking Facts About Pauley Perrette’s Age, Career Retirement, And Post-NCIS Life

Pauley Perrette, the beloved actress who brought the iconic forensic scientist Abby Sciuto to life on the CBS hit series NCIS, has undergone a dramatic transformation in her life and career since leaving the show. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, Perrette is 56 years old, and her life today is a testament to resilience, a commitment to activism, and a firm decision to step away from the Hollywood spotlight to pursue a new path as a documentary producer and civil rights advocate. This article delves into her complete profile, the surprising reason she retired from acting, and the significant health battle she faced.

For over 15 years, Pauley Perrette was one of the most recognizable faces on television, thanks to her signature gothic style and the quirky, brilliant character she played. Her age of 56 marks a new chapter, one where she has traded scripts and sound stages for behind-the-scenes production and passionate advocacy, cementing her legacy not just as an actress but as a multi-talented creative and activist.

Pauley Perrette: A Complete Biographical Profile (As of 2025)

Pauley Perrette’s journey from a childhood spent moving across the American South to becoming one of the highest-paid actresses on television is a fascinating story. Here is a comprehensive look at her biographical details, career milestones, and personal life.

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• Full Name: Pauley Perrette
• Date of Birth: March 27, 1969
• Current Age (2025): 56 years old
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education: Valdosta State University (Sociology and Criminology)
• Known For: Portraying Forensic Scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS (2003–2018)
• Career Status: Retired Actress; Current Documentary Producer, Singer, and Activist
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $22–$25 Million
• Key Post-NCIS Role: Jackie on the CBS sitcom Broke (2020)
• Current Focus: Documentaries and Civil Rights Activism

Perrette’s early life saw her move to various Southern states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, due to her father's career. She initially pursued studies in sociology, psychology, and criminology, a background that serendipitously prepared her for her most famous role as the forensic scientist Abby Sciuto.

From Abby Sciuto to Full-Time Activist: Why Perrette Retired from Acting

The most significant shift in Pauley Perrette’s life, perhaps even more dramatic than her age milestones, was her decision to permanently retire from acting. After her high-profile departure from NCIS in 2018, she took on the starring role in the CBS sitcom Broke, which was unfortunately canceled after a single season in May 2020.

Following the cancellation of Broke, Perrette made a definitive announcement: she would "never again" return to acting. This decision was not a result of a lack of offers but a conscious choice to pivot her focus entirely to other passions. She has openly stated that she is "a different person now" and wants to dedicate her time to activism and her new career as a producer.

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Her activism has always been a core part of her identity, long before her NCIS fame. She is a fervent civil rights advocate, a published writer, and a spoken-word artist. Her efforts have been recognized by organizations like the Desert AIDS Project, which honored her with a Next Generation Arts and Activism Award.

The New Chapter: Documentary Production and Health Battles

Since her retirement from the screen, Pauley Perrette has fully embraced the role of documentary producer, allowing her to channel her passion for social justice and storytelling into non-fiction film. This new career path provides the fresh, unique content that defines her current life.

Focus on Documentary Filmmaking

Perrette’s recent projects highlight her commitment to advocacy. She has been involved in several powerful documentaries, moving from being in front of the camera to working behind it. Her recent and notable projects include:

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• "Studio One Forever" (2023): This is one of her most recent projects, which focuses on preserving the history of the iconic Los Angeles nightclub Studio One.
• "Red Ribbons of Love": A film she directed, which documents the 30-year history of the red AIDS ribbons displayed on the tower of the Hollywood United Methodist Church.
• "An Act of Love" (2015): Perrette served as an executive producer on this documentary, which tells the story of a lesbian pastor fighting for her job after performing a same-sex marriage.
• "Citizen Lane": A passion project where she sits down to discuss her work and how NCIS remains the most popular drama in the world.

These projects showcase her dedication to LGBT rights, AIDS awareness, and the preservation of cultural history, proving that her life post-acting is as busy and impactful as her time on network television.

The Massive Stroke and Recovery

In a deeply personal revelation, Pauley Perrette shared in 2022 that she had suffered a "massive stroke" in 2021. This health crisis was a life-altering event that further solidified her perspective and her commitment to her new, quieter life away from the demanding schedule of a major television star. Her recovery and subsequent focus on well-being and meaningful work underscore the resilience that her fans have always admired.

At 56, Pauley Perrette’s career trajectory is a powerful example of a celebrity choosing purpose over fame. While fans will forever remember her as the gothic, brilliant forensic scientist Abby Sciuto, her current work as a documentary producer and tireless civil rights activist ensures her influence extends far beyond the crime lab. Her decision to retire from acting and her focus on advocacy demonstrate a powerful commitment to using her platform for tangible good, making her one of the most respected and enduring figures in modern entertainment and activism.