Pauley Perrette Opens Up About Stroke and Transformation After Leaving “NCIS”
In 2021, actress Pauley Perrette revealed that she had suffered a severe stroke. Initially, her fans were focused on her new hairstyle, which many criticized after she dyed it. However, by 2023, the tide seemed to turn, and most fans came to appreciate her bold look.
Perrette’s departure from the popular TV show “NCIS” made headlines, particularly because of reported tensions with one of her co-stars. On September 2, 2021, she marked the one-year anniversary of her stroke by sharing a heartfelt message on social media in September 2022. She reflected on the difficult year she had experienced, having lost loved ones and friends. Perrette expressed gratitude for surviving such challenges and acknowledged the strength it took to overcome them.
The actress also shared details about her health issues, revealing how she had cheated death on multiple occasions due to life-threatening food allergies and reactions to hair dye. In addition, she has survived domestic violence, sexual assault, and a near-fatal attack by a mentally unstable homeless person. Through all of this, Perrette found solace in her rescue pets and emerged feeling more positive about herself after years of struggle.
Since leaving “NCIS,” where she portrayed the beloved forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, Perrette’s appearance has undergone significant changes. Initially, fans reacted negatively to her colorful hair transformation, but over time, they softened their views. In 2021, she flaunted her rainbow-dyed hair on social media, leading to mixed reactions from followers.
Some critics on Twitter were particularly harsh, calling her hair “ugly” and accusing her of looking “cheap” despite her beauty. One troll went as far as to say her look was only suitable for Walmart shoppers, while another described her hair as “ratty” and “awful.” However, after Perrette revealed her health struggles, including her stroke and other personal hardships, many fans’ perspectives shifted.
By July 2023, Perrette shared new photos of herself, showcasing her bright rainbow hair with confidence. Her posts were met with support, with fans praising her for staying true to herself. One fan told her to “keep on being you” and called her “awesome.” Others expressed admiration, referring to her as “Aunt P” and praising her for bringing smiles to their faces.
Perrette’s departure from “NCIS” in 2018, after 15 years on the show, was reportedly due to ongoing tensions with co-star Mark Harmon. Reports suggest that the falling out began in 2016 after Harmon’s dog bit a crew member, causing a serious injury that required 15 stitches. The tension between the two stars became evident when they didn’t share any scenes in Perrette’s final episode.
In 2019, Perrette took to Twitter to reveal that she was “terrified of Harmon” and feared being attacked by him. Despite these challenges, Perrette has since moved on to a new project, which she described as a much safer and more enjoyable experience.
