Pauley Perrette became a household name in 2003 when she landed the role of goth forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS. But while Abby was capturing fictional criminals, Perrette had actually earned a master’s degree in criminology and initially set her sights on fighting real crime. However, acting called, and after appearing in commercials for brands like Volkswagen and Sprint, she landed her first recurring role in the legal drama Murder One in 1996. Her career took off from there, with notable roles in Almost Famous and Time of Your Life, before she became the iconic Abby on NCIS.
While her on-screen success was undeniable, Perrette’s fame wasn’t just based on her acting talent. In 2010, she scored an impressive 43 on the Q Score, a ranking system measuring celebrity appeal. By 2018, her score had risen to 44βfar above the average female TV star’s score of 21. In fact, she was far outpacing other top stars, including Empire’s Taraji P. Henson.
Despite the popularity, Perrette shocked fans in 2018 when she announced she was leaving NCIS, just before her final episode aired. Still, her influence remained, as her high Q score reflected the love and loyalty of her fans. What’s more, she’s been in countless music videos throughout her career, cementing her status as a versatile and beloved entertainer.
