Pauley Perrette Retires from Acting After NCIS Departure

Perrette's exit from the hit show sparked wider conversations about on-set safety and the wellbeing of actors.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:10am

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After 15 seasons on the hit CBS drama 'NCIS', actress Pauley Perrette has retired from acting. Perrette's departure from the show was not just a routine cast change, but rather sparked a wider conversation about workplace safety and the wellbeing of actors on television sets. Perrette's claims of feeling unsafe due to the behavior of a co-star and his dog, and her subsequent decision to step away from acting, have highlighted growing concerns about the entertainment industry's prioritization of production schedules over the physical and emotional safety of its workers.

Why it matters

Perrette's experience is not isolated, as actors increasingly speak out about harassment, bullying, and unsafe working conditions on set. This has led to greater scrutiny of production protocols and a demand for more robust safety measures, with organizations like SAG-AFTRA playing a crucial role in advocating for improved standards. Perrette's retirement also represents a broader trend of performers seeking more 'authentic' creative outlets that better align with their personal values.

The details

The incident involving a crew member reportedly being attacked by a dog on set, and the perceived lack of support from show leadership, underscores the critical need for safety concerns to be taken seriously, regardless of the status or influence of those involved. Perrette's frustration, expressed on social media, reveals the power dynamics at play and the challenges faced by those who attempt to raise concerns about unsafe working conditions.

  • Pauley Perrette left 'NCIS' in 2019 after 15 seasons on the show.
  • Perrette has since retired from acting and is now focused on producing documentaries.

The players

Pauley Perrette

An actress who starred on 'NCIS' for 15 seasons before retiring from acting due to concerns about on-set safety.

SAG-AFTRA

The labor union that represents actors, which is advocating for improved safety standards and protections for performers on television and film sets.

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What they’re saying

“I've been supporting animal rescue for years, but that was a dog that I absolutely knew from the way he was acting that he was going to attack me.”

— Pauley Perrette, Actress

“Safety concerns must be taken seriously, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.”

— Pauley Perrette, Actress

What’s next

SAG-AFTRA is expected to continue negotiating with studios and networks to implement more comprehensive safety protocols, including increased access to mental health resources for actors and crew members.

The takeaway

Perrette's departure from 'NCIS' and her subsequent retirement from acting have highlighted the need for a more empathetic and actor-centric entertainment industry, one that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of its workers over production schedules and creative vision.