Pauley Perrette is a name that resonates with millions of fans worldwide. Best known for her role as the quirky and lovable forensic scientist Abby Sciuto in the hit television series NCIS, Perrette has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. But there’s more to this multi-talented artist than just her on-screen persona. Her inspiring journey from an early life filled with challenges to her staggering net worth today is nothing short of remarkable.
Net Worth: $22 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Mar 27, 1969
Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana
Gender: Female
Profession: Actor, Writer, Entrepreneur, Photographer, Singer, Songwriter, Film Producer, Voice Actor
Pauley Perrette Early Life
Born on March 27, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Pauley Perrette was destined for greatness. Her family moved around the United States throughout her childhood, which fostered a sense of adventure and adaptability in the young Pauley. From Alabama to Georgia and eventually settling in Atlanta, she had a unique upbringing that would later play a significant role in shaping her career.
Perrette’s love for acting began at an early age, but her first passion was science. She pursued her interest in criminal science at Valdosta State University in Georgia before transferring to John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. While her heart was in the field of science, fate had other plans.
In New York, Perrette worked various jobs to make ends meet, including bartending and photography. Her life took an unexpected turn when she was discovered by a talent agent while working on a music video project. This chance encounter led to a number of small acting roles, which eventually paved the way for her big break in NCIS.
Pauley Perrette Personal Life
Despite her fame and success, Pauley Perrette has managed to keep her personal life relatively private. She was married to Coyote Shivers, a Canadian actor and musician, from 2000 to 2004. After their divorce, she was briefly engaged to former British Marine and actor Thomas Arklie, but they never tied the knot.
Perrette is a devout Christian and her faith has played a significant role in her life. She has often expressed the importance of her relationship with God and how it has helped her navigate the challenges of her career and personal life.
Pauley is also known for her distinctive tattoos, which she says are an expression of her personality and life experiences. Many fans will recognize her most famous tattoo – a spider web on her neck – which has become synonymous with her NCIS character Abby Sciuto.
Pauley Perrette Career
Pauley Perrette’s acting career took off in the mid-1990s with small roles in popular television shows like “Murder One,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Frasier.” She also appeared in several films, including “The Price of Kissing” (1997) and “The Ring” (2002). But it was her role as Abby Sciuto on “NCIS” that catapulted her to stardom.
Pauley joined the cast of NCIS in 2003, and her portrayal of the quirky and brilliant forensic scientist Abby Sciuto quickly became a fan favorite. With her unique goth-inspired style and her love for Caf-Pow, Abby resonated with viewers who admired her intelligence, wit, and loyalty to her team. Perrette’s performance earned her several award nominations, including three for the People’s Choice Award for Favorite TV Crime Drama Actress.
After an incredible 15 seasons on NCIS, Pauley Perrette decided to leave the show in 2018. She shared with fans that it was time for her to pursue other projects and focus on her personal life. Post-NCIS, Perrette took on the lead role in the CBS sitcom “Broke,” which aired for one season in 2020. Although the show wasn’t a long-running success, it showcased Pauley’s versatility as an actress and her ability to take on different genres.
In addition to her acting career, Perrette’s love for science has remained strong. She has been a vocal advocate for the importance of STEM education, especially for young women. Her role on NCIS has even inspired a scholarship at her alma mater, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, called the “Pauley Perrette Forensic Science Scholarship.”
Pauley Perrette Net Worth
Pauley Perrette’s incredible acting talent and dedication to her craft have earned her a considerable fortune. As of 2023, her net worth is estimated to be around $22 million. While a significant portion of this wealth comes from her long-running role in NCIS, she has also earned money through other acting projects, voice-over work, and even her own production company.
During her tenure on NCIS, Perrette was one of the highest-paid actresses on television. She reportedly earned $175,000 per episode, which is a testament to her value as a performer and the impact of her character on the show. Over the course of 15 seasons, her earnings from the series alone are estimated to be well over $10 million.
However, Pauley’s talents aren’t limited to acting. She is also a singer, songwriter, and poet. Her passion for music led her to form the rock band Lo-Ball, which released its debut album, “Legitimate Hoochie,” in 2001. The band may not have achieved mainstream success, but it’s another example of Perrette’s diverse skills and interests.
Aside from her work in the entertainment industry, Pauley Perrette is an avid philanthropist, giving back to the community and supporting various charitable causes. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental conservation. She has lent her voice and resources to organizations such as the American Red Cross, PETA, and the NOH8 Campaign, among others.
Perrette’s dedication to giving back is yet another reason why she is so beloved by her fans. Her kind heart and commitment to making the world a better place have cemented her status as an inspiring role model.