Pauley Perrette has been a familiar face on TV screens since 2003, captivating viewers with her portrayal of goth-attired forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS. But did you know that Perrette herself had ambitions of fighting crime in real life? Biography revealed that she actually earned a master’s degree in criminology before pursuing acting. Talk about irony!
Before landing her breakthrough role on NCIS, Perrette dipped her toes into the acting world. She appeared in TV commercials for popular brands like Volkswagen and Sprint. In 1996, she snagged a recurring role on the legal drama M..ur..der One under the moniker Pauley P. This opportunity paved the way for more TV work, including a series regular role on the sitcom That’s Life. Perrette’s acting credits also extend to the big screen, with appearances in movies like Almost Famous and My First Mister. She even starred in a series alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jennifer Garner in the Party of Five spinoff Time of Your Life. Little did she know, her life-changing role on NCIS was just around the corner.
But there’s so much more to Pauley Perrette than what meets the eye. Let’s dive into the untold truth of this multi-talented performer.
The Most-Liked Female Star
Did you know that Pauley Perrette was one of TV’s most-liked female stars for many years? Q Scores, a company that measures the popularity of celebrities and consumer products, conducted surveys to gauge how consumers respond to various personalities. According to Entertainment Weekly, Perrette earned an impressive score of 43 points in the January/February 2010 Performer Q study.
Perrette’s popularity only grew over the years. By 2018, her Q score had risen to 44, as reported by The Wrap. To put that in perspective, the average score for a female television star was just 21. The next highest score for a television actress at that time was Empire’s Taraji P. Henson, with 36 points. Perrette’s high Q score can be attributed, in part, to the phenomenal success of NCIS, which held the title of the world’s most-watched TV series for eight consecutive years. It’s ironic that her 2018 Q score was released after she had announced her decision to leave the show and just days before her final episode aired.
A Surprising Music Video Star
In addition to her acting prowess, Pauley Perrette has also made appearances in numerous music videos. One notable example is her role in the music video for the song “Fear” by the band Oingo Boingo. The video showcases Perrette’s versatility as she brings the lyrics to life with her captivating presence.
Check out Pauley Perrette’s role in the music video for “Fear” here.
Pauley Perrette’s journey from criminology student to beloved TV star is truly remarkable. Her incredible talent, combined with her down-to-earth personality, has endeared her to fans of all ages. As we bid farewell to Abby Sciuto, let’s celebrate the untold truth of Pauley Perrette and the significant impact she has made in the entertainment industry.
