Pauley Perrette is an American actress, singer, and writer best known for her role as Abby Sciuto on the long-running CBS series NCIS. She was born in New Orleans and raised in various locations across the southern United States. Before finding fame in acting, she studied criminal science and sociology at Valdosta State University. Her career began in the 1990s with various guest appearances on television shows and commercials. She gained widespread recognition in 2003 when she was cast as the eccentric forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Perrette portrayed the character for 15 seasons until her departure from the show in 2018. Beyond acting, she has pursued a career in music, having been a member of the band Lo-Ball. She is also a dedicated civil rights activist who frequently supports various charitable organizations. In 2020, she announced her retirement from acting to focus on other personal endeavors. Her unique style and portrayal of a strong female scientist left a lasting impact on television audiences.