Pauley Perrette, beloved for her role as the quirky forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on NCIS, shocked fans in 2018 when she left the show after 15 seasons. Now 55, Perrette has opened up about the challenges that led to her departure, confirming long-standing suspicions about behind-the-scenes conflicts.

Perrette revealed that her decision to leave wasn’t purely professional but stemmed from a toxic work environment. Tensions with co-star and executive producer Mark Harmon escalated following a 2016 incident where his dog bit a crew member. Perrette expressed concerns about safety, which created a rift that led to her refusal to share scenes with Harmon. Cryptic social media posts hinted at “multiple physical assaults” and left fans concerned about her well-being.

Beyond her career, Perrette’s life has been marked by personal struggles. In 2015, she survived a terrifying assault by a homeless man, and in 2021, she suffered a massive stroke. Despite these hardships, she’s focused on advocacy for mental health, homelessness, and civil rights, officially retiring from acting to pursue these passions.

Reflecting on her journey, Perrette shared, “I’ve been through so much, but I’m grateful to still be here.” While she has no plans to return to television, fans will always cherish her iconic portrayal of Abby Sciuto.