Pauley Perrette has made it clear that she does not plan on returning to television, as doing so would compromise “this life of true authenticity” she is currently enjoying “100% of the time.”

The 55-year-old actress, who gained fame playing forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the CBS series “NCIS,” recently shared with Hello! Magazine that while she does not envision a comeback to acting, she remains “thankful for all the blessings” her career has brought her.

“But I’ve changed as a person, and I want to embrace that – both the highs and the lows, including the struggles,” Perrette explained. “Being true to myself all the time is essential, and it takes real courage for me to admit that, but it’s how I genuinely feel.”

Perrette’s dramatic exit from ‘NCIS’

Perrette portrayed Abby on “NCIS” from 2003 until 2018, exiting the show amid reports of a feud with co-star Mark Harmon.

There were claims of an incident on set involving a dog bite. In a June 2019 post on X, Perrette expressed that she was “afraid of Harmon and his possible aggression” towards her. CBS Television Studios responded to her comments, stating they had worked with her to address an unspecified “concern” she raised in the previous year, as reported by YSL News. Harmon has not publicly commented on the situation.

In an interview with YSL News in April 2020, Perrette was reticent to elaborate on her vague posts about her departure and her silence, mentioning it was a “part of her past.”

“That chapter of my life is now behind me, and I don’t feel the need to discuss it further except to say: I’m truly grateful for the chance to portray that character, and I always will be,” she stated.

Pauley Perrette’s life after ‘NCIS’

After leaving “NCIS,” Perrette took on the lead role of Jackie in the CBS sitcom “Broke,” which she described as her favorite project. Unfortunately, “Broke” was canceled after just one season in May 2020, and Perrette officially retired from acting two months later.

“I’m THRILLED to be RETIRED! Finally! Yay! That’s all I ever wanted!” Perrette shared in a June 2020 social media post.

In a subsequent post, she explained that she actually retired after her time on “NCIS,” but she found “Broke” to be “significant and beautiful.”

“I did my final performance and am proud of it!” Perrette expressed. “Anyone who knows me was aware that I intended to retire right after. I’m proud of my achievements. Love you all! I AM FREE!!! (To be the simple, small person I am!)”

Pauley Perrette’s documentary work

Post-retirement, Perrette turned her focus to documentaries, serving as a producer for “Studio One Forever,” which chronicles the story of a gay disco in Los Angeles that became a symbol of hope for men during the 1970s and 1980s.

Perrette, who also had a role in “Almost Famous” alongside Kate Hudson, faced a significant stroke in 2021 and has stated she sees herself as “still a survivor” despite the challenges she has experienced.

“At this point in my life, I feel an urgent need to seek authenticity in everything. Acting, especially during certain periods of my life, was a great way to escape,” Perrette revealed to Hello! “It felt like a drug because I didn’t have to confront my own reality; I could become someone else. My character wasn’t burdened by the issues I faced.”

“That’s why I only watch documentaries; I crave the truth,” she added.

For me, returning to my acting career would mean sacrificing the genuine life I’m currently experiencing every single moment.