Pauley Perrette, Former ‘NCIS’ Star, Opens Up About Emotional Struggle Following “Massive” Stroke
Pauley Perrette, known for her role as Abby Sciuto on “NCIS,” bid farewell to crime solving and ventured into comedy and philanthropy following her departure from the show amid controversy. Despite a successful career spanning over a decade, her journey faced a significant hurdle a year ago when she battled a life-threatening stroke. Today, she’s thriving and using her platform to raise awareness about strokes and their warning signs.
Perrette’s tenure on “NCIS” was marked by both professional success and personal challenges. In 2017, she announced her departure from the show, citing undisclosed “physical” incidents. Reports suggested tensions between Perrette and co-star Mark Harmon following a dog bite incident on set. Despite the acrimony, Perrette bid an emotional farewell to her character Abby, reflecting on the impact of her 16-year portrayal.
Leaving “NCIS” wasn’t easy for Perrette, who expressed sadness at the thought of a world without Abby. She described her departure as a grieving process, often shedding tears during her daily commute. However, she found solace in the friendships forged on set, particularly with co-star Michael Weatherly, whom she considers a brother.
While her time on “NCIS” came to an end, Perrette remained committed to philanthropic endeavors. She established scholarships for female students pursuing criminal justice degrees, aiming to inspire young women to follow in Abby’s footsteps. Additionally, she’s an advocate for animal welfare, receiving recognition for her contributions to organizations like the LA Zoo.
In 2020, Perrette returned to television comedy with “Broke,” though the show was labeled as a limited series. Despite her success in the genre, her career took a backseat when she faced a health crisis. Last year, she suffered a massive stroke, prompting a rush to the emergency room. Today, she’s grateful for her recovery and uses her experience to educate others about strokes.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Perrette’s personal life has seen its share of challenges. Her marriage to musician Coyote Shivers ended in divorce amidst allegations of stalking. She also had relationships with cameraman Michael Bosman and former British Royal Marine Thomas Arklie, though neither led to marriage. Despite these experiences, Perrette embraces her independence, asserting that she doesn’t need a partner to define her happiness.
Through it all, Perrette remains resilient, channeling her energy into comedy, philanthropy, and advocacy. While her journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks, she continues to inspire others with her courage and determination.
