“NCIS” is now on its 15th season and it is set to lose one of its main cast members, Pauley Perrette. The actress revealed that the reports about her leaving the CBS show are true.
Perrette plays the role of forensic specialist Abby Sciuto since the start of “NCIS.” She took to Twitter to release a statement regarding her plans to leave the show, E! News shared.
What did Perrette confirm on Twitter
She confirmed that she will be leaving but pointed out that the reports that she is set to launch her skin care line and that CBS and “NCIS” are mad at her are not true.
She also revealed that she already decided on her departure last year.
Perrette also told her followers on the social media platform that she hopes fans will not just love and enjoy Abby for this season but also take a look at her 14 other seasons on the show. Perrette noted that the love, laughter, and inspiration given by her character for the past 16 years was something she loved as much as the fans loved it, the Los Angeles Times shared.
CBS, “NCIS” EPs release statements
After Perrette’s confirmation, CBS released a statement saying that the actress has been a “valued member” not only on “NCIS” but also in the CBS family. The network said it is never easy to say goodbye to a beloved actress and character, but they respect what she has decided to do.
CBS pointed out that they are grateful for the contributions of Perrette for the show and the network and for making “Abby one of the most unique characters” on TV.
The executive producers of “NCIS,” George Schenck and Frank Cardea, also released a statement saying that they have known for some time that Season 15 will be the last season Perrette will be with them and they have been working hard to give the actress a special send-off.
They praised Perrette for bringing incredible passion and specificity to her role as Abby from the first day they shot for the series. The EPs of the long-running series also said that everyone at “NCIS” are appreciative of Perrette for bringing Abby’s character to life, who has inspired millions of fans.
Other main stars left the show
Perrette is not the first regular cast member who left the show. “NCIS” also said goodbye to series regulars Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, and Jennifer Esposito. The CBS show stars Brian Dietzen, David McCallum, Duane Henry, Emily Wickersham, Maria Bello, Mark Harmon, Sean Murray and Wilmer Valderrama. It airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.
