Pauley Perrette speaking on stage with a microphone, wearing a black polka dot top in a bright setting.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Pauley Perrette

Born

March 27, 1969

Died
Birthplace

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

Age

57 Years Old

Horoscope

Aries

Who Is Pauley Perrette?

American actress and activist Pauley Perrette is widely recognized for her distinctive goth-forensic style and passionate advocacy. Her versatile career also includes work as a musician and writer.

She found significant success as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the crime drama NCIS, a role she played for 15 years. Her quirky portrayal and energetic performance quickly made her a fan favorite.

Full NamePauley Perrette
GenderFemale
Height5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Relationship StatusSingle
Net Worth$22 million
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityWhite
EducationCrestwood High School, Valdosta State University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
MotherDonna Bell

Early Life and Education

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Pauley Perrette spent her childhood moving frequently across the Southern US due to her father’s job. She later considered Alabama her hometown, developing an early love for science and crime literature.

Perrette graduated from Crestwood High School before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice at Valdosta State University. She continued her studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, intending a career in law enforcement.

Notable Relationships

A string of high-profile romances has marked Pauley Perrette’s personal life, including a marriage to musician Coyote Shivers from 2000 to 2006. She was later engaged to cameraman Michael Bosman and, in 2011, to actor Thomas Arklie.

Perrette has no known children. As of recent public information, her relationship with Thomas Arklie remained an engagement without marriage, and she announced retirement from acting to focus on personal life.

Career Highlights

Pauley Perrette anchored the CBS crime drama NCIS for 15 seasons as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Her portrayal in over 350 episodes cemented the character as a global pop culture icon and fan favorite.

Beyond acting, Perrette champions civil rights, advocating for LGBTQ rights, animal welfare, and anti-bullying initiatives. She also established the Pauley Perrette Forensic Science Scholarship, fostering interest in STEM fields.

Signature Quote

“My life is about being a civil rights activist. That’s my life. Whoever you are, everyone, we either have civil rights or we don’t. It’s for everyone.”