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Pauley Perrette made waves onNCIS, becoming a beloved TV icon, but she never cared much about Emmys. She preferred a hefty paycheck over the hassle of award-show glam — uncomfortable dresses and all. The actress once joked that getting an award hand-delivered wasn’t her priority.

Instead, she focused on earning big, bringing in steady paychecks, and making a name for herself beyond the flashy award circuits. Perrette’s choice highlighted a practical side of Hollywood life: success ain’t always about red carpets and accolades.
Beyond the Red Carpet: Pauley Perrette Prioritized Paychecks Over Awards
Pauley Perrette once saidshe’d rather get a big fat paycheckthan be“in a big uncomfortable dress standing in the sun and someone handing me an award.”And she wasn’t just talking — she lived it.
WhileNCISbarely snagged any major Emmy love, Perrette built a career that focused on substance over style. She joinedNCISas Abby Sciuto and became a fan favorite, blending science smarts with a quirky, confident edge thatbecame known as the“Abby effect.”

“It inspired these girls”: Pauley Perrette May Hate What NCIS Did to Her But Even She Admitted the Enormous Impact Abby Had on Young Girls
But fame brought complications. Perrette felt her acting persona often overshadowed her creative pursuits and personal boundaries. She leftNCISin 2018 after anexit filled with unresolved mysteriesand tabloid speculation. She toldTV Insider:
After a lot of thought, I decided to announce it myself on Twitter because I didn’t want it to be turned into anything ‘shocking’. Abby leaving is more than a cheap TV ploy.

What really went down withMark Harmon, crew tensions, and aconfrontation over a biting dogremained a puzzle. Despite the drama, she remained committed to protecting her team and maintaining professionalism behind the scenes.
Her departure followed bigger challenges, like the sudden loss of showrunner Gary Glasberg and growing political activism. She tweeted about everything from hospital visits to dog surgeries, juggling personal struggles with professional pressures. She even hinted at workplace concerns that CBS addressed seriously.

“He was confused by my presence right from the get-go”: Mark Harmon’s Alleged Feud With 1 NCIS Actor Could’ve Gotten Uglier Than Pauley Perrette Rivalry
Perrette’s path highlighted a deeper ambition: empowering young women to embrace science and math throughAbby’srelatable, brainy persona. In a world obsessed with red carpets, she showed that a well-earned paycheck and staying true to self mattered far more.
Mark Harmon Sets the Record Straight on Pauley Perrette’s Bullying Claims
Mark Harmon set the record straight about his past withNCISco-star Pauley Perrette, amid resurfaced bullying claims. Despite Pauley’s 2019 accusations — including claims of “multiple physical assaults” — Harmon seemed to extend an olive branch.
OnThe Rich Eisen Show, he praised Perette’s acting talent, calling her essential to the show’s success. Their rocky history made headlines when she leftNCIS, fueling rumors about a feud with Harmon. Perrette, though, remained adamant on social media about never returning, saying she felt “terrified” of Harmon.

Simple Reason Lauren Holly Left NCIS is a Far Cry From Devastating Pauley Perrette Situation
Still, Mark Harmon’s public admiration highlighted a complex, layered relationship of talent, professionalism, and unresolved tensions.
NCISis available to watch on Hulu & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.