50 Facts About Pauley Perrette

Early Life and Education

Pauley Perrette's journey began in the Southern United States, where her diverse upbringing and academic pursuits laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.

1. Early Life: Born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Pauley Perrette spent her childhood in various Southern states, including Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
2. Education: Perrette pursued higher education at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, where she studied criminal science, sociology, and psychology.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame

Before becoming a household name, Perrette took on various roles that showcased her versatility and talent.

3. Career Beginnings: Her first television appearance was on the show Almost Home in 1993.
4. Early Roles: Perrette's early career included roles in TV shows such as Murder One (1996), Frasier (1996), That's Life (1998), Time of Your Life (1999-2000), and Dawson's Creek (2001).

NCIS Stardom

Perrette's portrayal of Abby Sciuto on NCIS catapulted her to fame and left an indelible mark on television history.

5. NCIS Stardom: She became a household name in 2003 after appearing as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto in NCIS, a role she would embrace for the next 16 years.
6. Character Conception: The character of Abby Sciuto was conceived by NCIS creator Don Bellisario to defy negative stereotypes. He wanted an alternative-style person with tattoos who was happy, put together, and successful.
7. Awards and Nominations: During her stint on NCIS, Perrette received three People's Choice Award nominations for her portrayal of Abby Sciuto.

Departure from NCIS

Perrette's exit from NCIS was surrounded by controversy and personal challenges.

8. Departure from NCIS: After 15 seasons, Perrette left NCIS in 2018, citing "multiple physical assaults" during her time on the show. CBS released a statement confirming the workplace concern and their commitment to a safe work environment.
9. Feud with Mark Harmon: There were reports of a feud between Perrette and her co-star Mark Harmon, which executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson addressed. The tension reportedly started with an incident involving Harmon's dog, which Perrette felt was not safe for the show.

Personal Life and Relationships

Perrette's personal life has been marked by significant relationships and advocacy for various causes.

10. Personal Life: Perrette dated cameraman Michael Bosman from 2005 to 2008. Although they never legally wed, they exchanged vows in front of family and friends until California's Proposition 8 was abolished.
11. Relationship with Thomas Arklie: She then dated former British Royal Marine Thomas Arklie and announced their engagement in 2011. However, the couple called off their relationship by 2019.

Advocacy and Activism

Beyond her acting career, Perrette is known for her dedication to various social causes.

12. Animal Rights Activism: Perrette is a dedicated animal rights activist, advocating for animal adoption and working closely with several animal rescue organizations.
13. LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Perrette actively supports and champions equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Unique Personal Traits

Perrette's individuality shines through her personal interests and lifestyle choices.

14. Tattoos: She has a collection of over 50 tattoos, each with its own special meaning.
15. Writing Career: Perrette is a published poet and writer, releasing several poetry books showcasing her talent beyond acting.
16. Music Videos: She has appeared in music videos for artists like Madonna and Metallica.
17. Language Skills: Perrette is fluent in several languages, including English, French, and Italian.
18. Photography: She is a skilled photographer and often showcases her work on her social media platforms.
19. Fashion Sense: Known for her unique fashion sense, Perrette has always embraced her individuality and is admired for her eclectic and edgy style.
20. Singing Abilities: Perrette has showcased her singing abilities through musical performances on television and in live events.
21. Theater Productions: She has been involved in theater productions, showcasing her acting skills on stage in plays and musicals.

Health and Wellness

Perrette's health journey has been a significant part of her life, influencing her choices and advocacy.

22. Health Issues: In 2021, Perrette suffered a massive stroke but has since focused on her work behind-the-camera as a producer on projects including the 2023 documentary Studio One Forever, which explored the LGBTQ+ history behind the now-shuttered disco club Studio One.
23. Skincare Routine: Perrette credits her simple skincare regimen and healthy lifestyle for maintaining her youthful appearance. She uses baby oil on her skin at night after washing it with face soap from the drugstore.
24. Dietary Choices: Due to several scary food allergies, Perrette's diet is largely restricted. She is allergic to onions and almost all herbs, which puts her at risk for breaking out in hives and feeling like her throat is closing up if she ingests certain ingredients.
25. Happiness as Skincare Regimen: Perrette believes that happiness is the best skincare regimen. She emphasizes the importance of being happy and kind to people and oneself for overall health.
26. Kickboxing Enthusiast: Perrette is a kickboxing enthusiast, which contributes to her overall fitness and well-being.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Perrette's commitment to giving back is evident through her various philanthropic efforts.

27. Philanthropy: Beyond her acting career, Perrette is involved in various philanthropic efforts, supporting causes close to her heart, including animal rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
28. Community Engagement: She has been involved in various community engagement activities, using her star power to support local charities and organizations.

Career Transition and Authentic Living

After leaving acting, Perrette has focused on living authentically and pursuing new creative endeavors.

29. Career Transition: After leaving acting, Perrette has transitioned to producing documentaries and other projects, focusing on authenticity and truth in her work.
30. Authenticity in Life: Perrette has expressed a deep need to find authenticity in everything she does. She believes that acting, especially at certain points in her life, was a great escape but now seeks to live a life of true authenticity.
31. Documentary Work: Her documentary Studio One Forever explores the LGBTQ+ history behind the now-shuttered disco club Studio One, showcasing her commitment to telling true stories.
32. Personal Growth: Perrette has undergone significant personal growth, transitioning from an escape through acting to living a life that is authentic and true to herself.

Legacy and Impact

Perrette's influence extends beyond her acting career, leaving a lasting legacy in various fields.

33. Fan Support: She has a dedicated fan base who have supported her throughout her career and personal endeavors.
34. Versatility as Actress: Perrette's versatility as an actress is evident in her roles in various TV shows and films, including Murder One and The Price of Kissing.
35. Impact on Entertainment Industry: Despite her retirement from acting, Perrette continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry through her documentary work and other projects.
36. Legacy in NCIS: Her iconic role as Abby Sciuto has left a lasting legacy in the world of television, making her one of the most beloved characters in NCIS history.
37. Impact on LGBTQ+ Community: Perrette's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has had a significant impact on the community, promoting equal rights and understanding.
38. Animal Adoption Advocacy: Her dedication to animal adoption has inspired many to support animal rescue organizations and adopt pets from shelters.
39. Tattoo Collection Meaning: Each of her over 50 tattoos holds a special meaning, reflecting her unique personality and style.
40. Photography Skills: Perrette's photography skills are evident in the quality of her work, which she often showcases on her social media platforms.
41. Fashion Icon: She is admired for her eclectic and edgy fashion sense, which has made her a fashion icon in the entertainment industry.
42. Singing Talent: Perrette's singing talent has been showcased through musical performances on television and in live events, demonstrating her versatility as an artist.
43. Theater Experience: Her experience in theater productions has honed her acting skills, allowing her to excel in various roles both on screen and stage.
44. Public Speaking: Perrette is an effective public speaker, using her platform to advocate for causes she believes in, including animal rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
45. Health Awareness: Perrette's health issues, including her massive stroke in 2021, have raised awareness about the importance of health and wellness, particularly among celebrities.
46. Documentary Production: Her work behind-the-camera as a producer on documentaries like Studio One Forever showcases her commitment to telling true stories and promoting authenticity.
47. Authentic Living: Perrette's decision to leave acting and focus on living an authentic life has inspired many to reevaluate their own priorities and seek true fulfillment.
48. Legacy Beyond Acting: Despite her retirement from acting, Pauley Perrette's legacy extends beyond her acting career, influencing the entertainment industry and various social causes she supports.
49. Public Perception: Despite her age, Perrette maintains a vibrant and youthful appearance, which she attributes to her skincare routine, healthy lifestyle, and happiness.
50. Impact on Fans: Her dedication to her fans and her willingness to share her personal journey has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Pauley Perrette: A Multifaceted Star

Pauley Perrette's journey from a Southern upbringing to Hollywood stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Known for her iconic role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS, she captivated audiences with her unique style and vibrant personality. Beyond acting, Perrette's dedication to animal rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and philanthropy showcases her commitment to making a difference. Her transition from acting to producing documentaries reflects her quest for authenticity and truth. Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues and workplace conflicts, Perrette remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Her legacy extends beyond her roles on screen, influencing various social causes and inspiring many to live authentically. Pauley Perrette's multifaceted career and personal endeavors highlight her as a true icon, leaving a lasting impact on both her fans and the causes she passionately supports.