Pauley Perrette shares 'final bow' photo after 'NCIS' exit

NCIS says goodbye to the sweet and eccentric genius Abby Sciuto

NCIS is one of the most successful TV series of all time and has been running for 15 seasons with no end in sight. One of the show's main characters - and one of the most popular - is Abby Sciuto.

Abby is an eccentric scientist with some peculiar quirks and a penchant for Goth clothing and makeup. Abbey is portrayed by Pauley Perrette, who is not just an actress, but a gifted singer, songwriter and civil rights advocate.

Perret is the only character who has been in every single episode of the series' 15 seasons. The actress felt that it was time for a break from Abbey, and she has decided to retire from the show, reported PopCulture.com on the 10th of May 2018.

“To all the fans around the world, I wanna tell you with all of my heart how much I love you guys. How grateful I am for all of your support for both Abby and me over all these years,"

Pauley Perrette, Twitter, 10th of May 2018.

Perrette announced her departure from the show in November 2017, and on the 9th of May 2018, Abby bowed out. In the last episode, Abby was mugged at gunpoint, and though seriously injured, she did not die.

This has left fans a glimmer of hope that Perrette might return to NCIS at a later date. Mark Harmon, who has worked with Perrette since 2003, has expressed his admiration for the actress.

The actress hinted that she felt the need for privacy, and to pursue different creative options. Perrette posted a final goodbye to her fans on social media, thanking them for their love and support.

She added that she felt blessed to have had the opportunity to touch so many lives through the character of Abby Sciuto. Her sweet goodbye message and her photo have been shared by tens of thousands of fans around the world.