Pauley Perrette has finally opened up about her time as Abby Sciuto on *NCIS*, offering new insight into why her quirky forensic scientist became the emotional heart of the team. Known for her gothic style, relentless optimism, and fierce loyalty, Abby stood out from the start—but Perrette says it was the character’s compassion and deep moral compass that made her truly irreplaceable. “She wasn’t just science and sass,” Perrette shared. “She was love. Abby was the one who hugged everyone else’s pain.”

During her years on the show, Abby was often the glue that held the team together—offering emotional support, comic relief, and a dose of humanity in a world filled with crime scenes and moral gray areas. Perrette recalled how fans connected with Abby because she was unapologetically herself, a mix of tough and tender. Whether it was comforting a grieving teammate or going all-in to solve a case, Abby always led with her heart.

Perrette also acknowledged how hard it was to say goodbye, calling her final scenes “some of the hardest moments of my career.” Still, she feels proud of what Abby represented and continues to be overwhelmed by the love she receives from fans. “She made people feel safe,” Perrette said. “She made people feel seen.” That legacy, she believes, is what made Abby more than just a character—she was a symbol of warmth in a sometimes cold world.

While Abby hasn’t returned to *NCIS* since her departure, her presence is still felt. References to her character still echo through episodes, and longtime viewers continue to miss the heartbeat she brought to the show. For many, Abby wasn’t just part of the team—she was its soul.