During her 15 years as NCIS forensic scientist, Abby Sciuto, original cast member Pauley Perrette has had an impact both onscreen and off. Tonight, as Perrette begins the two-episode arc that marks her departure from NCIS, we look back at some of the events that made Abby AND Pauley so special to their fans.
1) It’s OK to be smart. No longer must girls downplay their intelligence. When NCIS debuted 15 years ago, the cool goth forensic chick had an incredible brain under the perky ponytails. The actress and her character both studied forensic science in college, and Perrette has been credited with influencing young women to pursue careers in science.
2) To that end, according to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice website, “Perrette established the Pauley Perrette Forensic Science Scholarship to help support John Jay undergraduate students that traditionally have been underrepresented in the Forensic Sciences. ‘I wanted to set up the scholarship in honor of the impact my NCIS character [sic] has had around the world over the last 15 years,’ says Perrette.”
The groundbreaking character made Perrette one of the most popular actresses on primetime television, and motivated thousands of young women to pursue careers in math and science.
3) It’s OK to be different. Perrette quashed the old marketing slogan that “Blondes have more fun,” by dying her natural blonde locks black for the past 15 years. Abby’s slightly-offbeat look has made it acceptable, preferred even, not to fit into the cookie-cutter concept of the fashion magazine.
4) It’s OK to be compassionate. Perrette is known for her work with the homeless, as an advocate for stalking victims (having been a stalking victim herself), a supporter of her church (United Methodist in Hollywood), Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity and several other charities, such as…
5) …the Amanda Foundation. Known for her tireless support of the Amanda Foundation, Perrette is a spokesperson for the Los Angeles animal rescue that promotes adoption instead of purchasing pets. The Amanda Foundation has a full-service, low-cost animal hospital and a “Spaymobile” that offers free services to low income, under-served areas.
6) It’s OK to be nice. According to Q Scores Company, which measures the familiarity and appeal of public figures, Pauley Perrette rules. In a collaborative study with TheWrap, Perrette ranks No. 1 among female leads on broadcast television with a 47 Positive Q Score, 10 points ahead of the No. 2 tie between Oscar-winner Viola Davis and Oscar-nominee, Taraji P. Henson (also very nice women).
7) It’s OK to be yourself…to be unique…to live your best life. Producers have announced that the NCIS audience finally will get a look at Abby’s apartment. How does a woman who sleeps in a coffin, goes bowling with nuns and dons a stunning Marilyn Monroe look for Halloween live? Viewers will find out before Perrette exits the series next week.
Tonight’s episode, “One Step Forward,” kicks off the arc in which Abby is awarded a dinner reservation for two to a brand-new five-star restaurant in an igloo and must decide which coworker deserves to go with her. Skye P. Marshall guest stars as Sara Carter, a woman who, after being arrested at the NCIS front gate, begs Gibbs (Mark Harmon) to investigate her mother’s murder as she believes the local authorities convicted the wrong man.
And while viewers mourn the departure of Abby Sciuto, there is some good news…: Harmon has signed on as star and producer for another season as NCIS, the most-watched drama on television, has been picked up for a 16th season.
Guest stars are Joseph Lyle Taylor, DeVaughn Nixon, Briana Lane, Jonah Wharton, Dedan Donovan, Shamori Washington, Mark Engelhardt and Darren Dupree Washington.
“One Step Forward” was written by Gina Lucita Monreal and directed by James Whitmore, Jr.
NCIS airs tonight (May 1) at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS in the U.S. and on Global TV in Canada.
