Pauley Perrette made waves on NCIS, becoming a beloved TV icon, but she never cared much about Emmys. She preferred a hefty paycheck over the hassle of award-show glam — uncomfortable dresses and all. The actress once joked that getting an award hand-delivered wasn’t her priority.
Instead, she focused on earning big, bringing in steady paychecks, and making a name for herself beyond the flashy award circuits. Perrette’s choice highlighted a practical side of Hollywood life: success ain’t always about red carpets and accolades.
Beyond the Red Carpet: Pauley Perrette Prioritized Paychecks Over Awards
Pauley Perrette once said she’d rather get a big fat paycheck than be “in a big uncomfortable dress standing in the sun and someone handing me an award.” And she wasn’t just talking — she lived it.
While NCIS barely snagged any major Emmy love, Perrette built a career that focused on substance over style. She joined NCIS as Abby Sciuto and became a fan favorite, blending science smarts with a quirky, confident edge that became known as the “Abby effect.”
But fame brought complications. Perrette felt her acting persona often overshadowed her creative pursuits and personal boundaries. She left NCIS in 2018 after an exit filled with unresolved mysteries and tabloid speculation. She told TV Insider:
After a lot of thought, I decided to announce it myself on Twitter because I didn’t want it to be turned into anything ‘shocking’. Abby leaving is more than a cheap TV ploy.
What really went down with Mark Harmon, crew tensions, and a confrontation over a biting dog remained a puzzle. Despite the drama, she remained committed to protecting her team and maintaining professionalism behind the scenes.
Her departure followed bigger challenges, like the sudden loss of showrunner Gary Glasberg and growing political activism. She tweeted about everything from hospital visits to dog surgeries, juggling personal struggles with professional pressures. She even hinted at workplace concerns that CBS addressed seriously.
Perrette’s path highlighted a deeper ambition: empowering young women to embrace science and math through Abby’s relatable, brainy persona. In a world obsessed with red carpets, she showed that a well-earned paycheck and staying true to self mattered far more.
Mark Harmon Sets the Record Straight on Pauley Perrette’s Bullying Claims
Mark Harmon set the record straight about his past with NCIS co-star Pauley Perrette, amid resurfaced bullying claims. Despite Pauley’s 2019 accusations — including claims of “multiple physical assaults” — Harmon seemed to extend an olive branch.
On The Rich Eisen Show, he praised Perette’s acting talent, calling her essential to the show’s success. Their rocky history made headlines when she left NCIS, fueling rumors about a feud with Harmon. Perrette, though, remained adamant on social media about never returning, saying she felt “terrified” of Harmon.
Still, Mark Harmon’s public admiration highlighted a complex, layered relationship of talent, professionalism, and unresolved tensions.
NCIS is available to watch on Hulu & Apple TV.
