After 15 successful seasons on NCIS, Pauley Perrette made the difficult decision to leave the CBS hit show, stepping away from her iconic role as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto in 2018. While Perrette had been a beloved part of the series since its inception, her departure came after much speculation about her reasons for leaving. In interviews, she revealed that it was a combination of factors, including a desire to pursue new opportunities and personal challenges that influenced her choice. The actress made it clear that her exit was a decision made for her well-being and growth outside the show.

While fans were heartbroken by her departure, Perrette’s reasons for leaving were largely centered on her need for a new chapter in her career. She had become a fan favorite thanks to Abby’s quirky and lovable personality, but by the time of her exit, Perrette had spent more than a decade bringing the character to life. In addition to her professional aspirations, Perrette also cited concerns about her safety on set, which added to her decision to leave the show. Despite her exit from NCIS, Pauley Perrette has continued to work on other projects, and fans continue to support her as she explores new endeavors.