Where Did Pauley Perrette Disappear To After NCIS?

As I delve deeper into the captivating life of Pauley Perrette, I am struck by her remarkable journey and the profound impact she has made in various realms. From her groundbreaking role on NCIS to her tireless advocacy for rescue animals and social justice, it is evident that this woman is a force to be reckoned with.

Pauley Perrette is widely recognized by fans of crime procedurals due to her portrayal of Abby Sciuto in the long-running CBS show “NCIS.” For 15 years, she played the character of a forensic scientist on the show. While Abby has a goth image, her bright personality and love for her work don’t align with this persona. Perrette parted ways with “NCIS” in 2018 after being featured in over 350 episodes throughout the first 15 seasons of the series.

Since wrapping up her run on “NCIS,” Pauley Perrette hasn’t slowed down. Although many might think she retired from acting when she left the show, she actually took on another series on CBS before making a definitive exit. These days, you might not see her on your screens as often, but rest assured that Perrette has been quite active, dedicating herself to various local and national causes, going through a significant health challenge, exploring the world of directing, and striving to live an authentic life. Here’s what Pauley Perrette has been up to since “NCIS.

She appeared in another CBS series

Pauley Perrette, best known for her role as Abby on the crime series “NCIS,” has ventured into a new acting gig. This time, she’s starring in the CBS sitcom “Broke.” Unlike her previous role, “Broke” presents a drastic change from “NCIS.” The story revolves around estranged sisters who find themselves in a tough financial predicament when one of their husbands loses their trust fund. Perrette plays Jackie Dixon, a single mother who takes in her sister Elizabeth (Natasha Leggero) and her husband Javier (Jaime Camil), along with their child Sammy (Antonio Raul Corbo).

The show ran for just one season consisting of 13 episodes. It seems critics were more forgiving than viewers; as per Rotten Tomatoes, the critics’ rating was 67%, while viewers gave it a poor score of 33%. Unfortunately, during that same season, the network introduced eight new comedies, and according to TVLine, “Broke” ended up second from bottom in crucial ratings, resulting in its termination.

In May 2020, when news broke about her final acting project, the actress expressed her feelings on the platform once known as Twitter. She praised the show, stating it had reaffirmed her faith in humanity and the industry. “I’m so grateful I worked with this cast & crew – they are the best people I’ve ever worked with. They healed me, changed me, made me whole. So blessed,” she wrote, along with a video. Two months later, she reflected on the impact of the show, stating that while she had retired from NCIS, “Broke” was important and beautiful. She felt proud of her last performance and declared her freedom, stating, “I’m free! (To be the tiny little simple human I am!)”.

She closed her bakery

Donna Bell’s Bake Shop, honoring Pauley Perrett’s deceased mom, launched in April 2011. The ex-actress, along with her partners Darren Greenblatt and Matthew Sandusky, initiated this bakery. Greenblatt shared ownership, while Sandusky was the primary baker. As stated on their website, they specialized in creating “authentic Southern, all-natural baked goods and dishes,” consistently experimenting with recipes inspired by Perrett’s mother.

As a gamer residing in Manhattan, I couldn’t help but notice the struggle my favorite local bakery faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of tourists and foot traffic took a significant toll on their business, even during the holiday season. While holiday shipping offered some relief, it wasn’t enough to keep the shop open. With a heavy heart, they announced their closure over the Christmas weekend, sharing the news on their Facebook page. “We are closing for good this weekend,” they wrote. “If you happen to be in the area, swing by and grab a few treats before they’re gone. Everything freezes well.” They ended with a heartfelt thanks to their followers for their support and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

The enchantment of the bakery continues through the cookbook penned by Perrette, Greenblatt, and Sandusky, titled “Donna Bell’s Bake Shop: Recipes and Stories of Family, Friends, and Food”, which hit the shelves in 2015. This book offers fans the opportunity to replicate their beloved bakery treats at home and catch glimpses of the trio as well as Donna Bell herself, the inspiring woman behind the shop’s name.

Her father died

2021 hit me hard with another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. My family’s small bakery had to shut down due to the economic downturn, and unfortunately, my dad passed away from the virus in January. To honor his memory on the one-year anniversary, I turned to X and shared heartfelt thoughts about him.

Exactly one year ago, I lost my dear father to Covid-19. Back then, there were no vaccines available, only healthcare workers exhausted beyond words, piles of bodies, and a heartbreaking goodbye over a nurse’s phone. Perrette accompanied this emotional post with four touching photos of her with her father.

She consistently shares memories about her dad on her social media outlets, particularly marking his birthday. In 2022, she uploaded a picture of his military burial flag and dog tags on Instagram, accompanied by the straightforward message “Happy Birthday Daddy.” The following year, she published an assortment of images featuring her father on Instagram, spanning from her childhood to adulthood, along with a photo of his grave marker. In the caption, she expressed her longing for her dad three times, stating that she misses him daily.

She had a stroke

2021 proved challenging for Pauley Perrette. Following the passing of her father in January, she suffered a stroke in September. She disclosed this health issue on social media about a year later. On September 2, 2022, Perrette posted on X, “Today marks one year since I experienced a massive [stroke].” In her post, she detailed the hardships she’s faced over the past two years but expressed gratitude for still being alive. Perrette also spoke about other instances where she had to dodge death, such as an adverse reaction to hair dye and surviving domestic violence. These experiences mirrored those of her “NCIS” character. In the video attached to the post, she expresses feeling well, acknowledges her gratitude for being alive, and thanks everyone.

In 2023, Perrette shared insights about her past stroke experience in a fresh perspective. On Instagram, she labeled September 2 as her “Re-Birthday.” In her post, she stated, “Today marks my 2nd Re-Birthday! Exactly two years ago today, I suffered a massive stroke. Exactly two years ago today, I survived,” accompanied by an illustration of the ex-actress enclosed within a heart symbol.

Her cousin died

A few days after revealing a stroke incident from 2021, Pauley Perrette used social media to mourn the loss of someone dear. On September 11, 2022, she posted on X, commemorating her cousin – a firefighter – who passed away in March 2022. Earlier in 2022, she had also shared his death and mentioned the passing of her father and uncle as well. Tragically, Wayne died on March 18, 2022, exactly two days before her first tweet about it.

I recently lost my Firefighter Father, Uncle, and Cousin Wayne – all remarkable firefighters. My cousin Wayne was my twin, my friend, and everything to me. In the aftermath of 9/11, he dedicated his days in honor of the 343 firefighters who perished on that tragic day. He’s now with them in heaven. On social media, I’ve shared memories of him alongside fire trucks, his 9/11 memorial tattoo, and photos of us together. In 2023, I posted a picture of his tattoo on Instagram as a tribute to him. This year, I shared a video on X detailing our special bond and the times we spent together when he visited Los Angeles.

She voices her support for the LGBTQIA+ community

Pauley Perrette consistently advocates for causes close to her heart, with a significant focus on assisting and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly within her locality. Frequently, she takes to social media to express her engagement with the Los Angeles LGBT Center. She often attends their events, using her platform to discuss facilities like the closet at the center that might provide individuals with an opportunity to wear clothing that reflects their true identity for the first time. In 2021, Perrette was also a participant in a fundraising telethon organized by the center.

On a larger scale, Perrette actively demonstrates her advocacy, collaborating with the NOH8 Campaign to organize fundraisers that benefit the LGBTQIA+ community. Furthermore, she expresses her solidarity on Spirit Day, an annual event held every third Thursday in October for the LGBTQIA+ community, by donning purple or rainbow attire.

In August 2023, Perrette shared that APLA Health, a healthcare organization focusing on HIV patients and the LGBTQIA+ community of Los Angeles, delivered a talk at her church. Judging from the picture, the speakers from APLA Health discussed topics like inclusivity, equality, and more with the congregation.

She directed a short documentary

As a gamer, I recently found myself stepping out from in front of the screen and into the director’s chair for a short documentary project called “Red Ribbons of Love.” This film takes us on a journey through the last three decades, focusing on the red ribbons that adorn the tower of the Hollywood United Methodist Church. These ribbons were initially raised during the peak of the AIDS crisis.

The documentary made its debut at the Hollywood United Methodist Church on December 3, 2023. Perrette conducted interviews on various Los Angeles-based stations to publicize the movie, emphasizing the significance of the red ribbon and its meaning. Her aim was to enlighten those unaware of why the red ribbon is displayed annually on the church’s bell tower. You can watch “Red Ribbons of Love” in its entirety on the Hollywood United Methodist Church’s YouTube channel.

She supports her local community

As a passionate advocate for my local community, especially Los Angeles, I frequently take to social media to share opportunities for us all to make a difference. For years, I’ve been an ardent supporter of our beloved Los Angeles Zoo, regularly participating in events and fundraisers held there. One such event was the 2023 benefit, where I had the honor to join forces with the talented Lance Bass, former NSYNC member, for a unique opportunity: a casual dinner auction! Bidders were thrilled to have the chance to dine with us both, contributing generously to support our cherished Los Angeles Zoo.

Beyond contributing to the Los Angeles Zoo, she is equally passionate about backing the Los Angeles Fire Department. Every year on September 11th anniversary, she pays tribute to the fallen firefighters from the attacks and shares her cousin’s memorial tattoo dedicated to the firefighters who perished during the rescue missions. March 27, 2024, which she now refers to as Donation Day, saw her emphasize the importance of donations for fire stations and inspiring her followers to support their local firefighters. She has also collaborated on public service announcements with the Los Angeles Fire Department, urging others to join their cause in 2021. In the summer of 2023, she planted a rose variety named “firefighter” as a memorial for her father, uncle, and cousin who were all firefighters.

She has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House of Los Angeles to support families with children diagnosed with cancer. Volunteers at Ronald McDonald Houses typically cook meals or perform other household tasks. Perrette has also lent a hand to Project Angel Food, a non-profit organization that provides healthy meals for those in need. In the photo she posted on Instagram, there is an image of her wearing wings on the van used to distribute food.

She stands up for social causes she believes in

Beyond expressing her dedication towards her hometown and the LGBTQIA+ community, Pauley Perrette also employs her social media channels to voice opinions on various other matters close to her heart. This encompasses encouraging citizens to exercise their voting rights, advocating for global peace, and raising awareness about the relevance of ADA guidelines.

For more than ten years, Perrette has been associated with the NOH8 Campaign, participating in numerous initiatives. In 2024, she showcased her support for global equality and peace through a video and photo series endorsed by the campaign. The images depict the former actress sporting white attire, bearing the organization’s emblem on her cheek, and with duct tape muzzling her. On Instagram, Perrette shared snapshots of her work with NOH8 throughout the years, including a speech at a pride event in 2015 and attending an event wearing a gown embellished with their logo.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been vocal about my solidarity with NBA star Brittney Griner who spent 239 days in Russian prison before her release. On my Insta and X platforms, you might have seen me rocking a “Free Brittney Griner” tee. I’ve also used these spaces to bring attention to broader issues of justice, like by posting a Martin Luther King Jr. Day quote video on Instagram, and flaunting painted nails symbolizing my support for Ukraine in 2022 on X.

She shares her love for her rescue dogs

Apart from Pauley Perrette’s acting career, she is deeply committed to rescue pets. She has three rescued dogs named Rosie, Bug, and Grace, affectionately known as the “Notorious RBG” on her Instagram account. Her ardor for saving animals propelled her to collaborate with the Amanda Foundation, a local animal shelter in Los Angeles. This organization not only nurtures stray and abandoned animals but also utilizes the income from their comprehensive veterinary clinic to support their operations.

On a routine basis, Perrette frequently posts videos and pictures of her beloved pooches, showcasing everything from snuggles with them to their playful barking at gardeners. Rosie is usually the star of these posts, making numerous appearances on Perrette’s Cameo, where she is affectionately known as “Rescue Dog Rosie” across her social media platforms. In 2022, the former actress expressed her deep gratitude for her dogs by writing, “They save my life daily,” emphasizing their significant role in her life.

Beyond sharing updates on her own rescue dogs and advocating for adoptions, she openly expresses her opinions about the portrayal of rescue dogs. In July 2022, she expressed her disapproval on platform X regarding a Wayfair advertisement depicting a rescue dog damaging furniture. “It’s unacceptable! Disgraceful,” she said, expressing her disappointment that they were using them to sell furniture by portraying them in an unfavorable manner.

She continues to be her authentic self

After departing from “NCIS”, Pauley Perrette remains true to herself and has no intentions of making a comeback to our television screens. In an interview with HELLO! in October 2024, she discussed her thoughts on acting and potential future involvement in the industry.

In the interview, she expressed gratitude for the advantages she received but emphasized her transformation. She desires to fully embrace every aspect – good, bad, and painful – of her current life, as it takes courage for her to admit this honestly. She clarified that acting had been a valuable escape in the past, but at present, she’s not seeking acting roles. Instead, she cherishes the authentic life she’s living wholeheartedly.

As a gamer, I’m always open about my life – from hanging out with my rescue pups, nurturing my garden, catching local concerts, to advocating for causes close to my heart. I often share snippets of my daily adventures, my musings, and things that matter to me on social media, in the form of videos and posts.

2024-11-10 00:31