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The Ultimate Guide To Pauley Perrette's Real Tattoos: Unmasking Abby Sciuto's Body Art In 2025

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For over fifteen years, Pauley Perrette’s portrayal of the eccentric forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the hit procedural drama NCIS made her one of the most recognizable faces on television. Her signature look—raven hair, gothic style, and an abundance of tattoos—was instantly iconic. As of late December 2025, fans still obsess over one burning question: which of that beloved body art is real, and which was simply a prop for her character?

The truth is that most of the ink you saw on the show is 100% genuine, a reflection of Pauley Perrette's own vibrant personality and deeply held beliefs. She has openly discussed her extensive collection, confirming that while the most prominent, large-scale pieces were temporary, her smaller, more meaningful tattoos were simply incorporated into the Abby Sciuto persona. This article delves into the fascinating world of her real tattoos, exploring the spiritual, mathematical, and personal meanings behind her unique collection.

Pauley Perrette: A Complete Biography and Profile

Pauley Perrette is an American actress, writer, singer, and fervent civil rights activist. Her life and career are marked by a unique blend of creativity and dedication to social justice, making her far more than just the character she played for a decade and a half.

  • Full Name: Pauley Perrette
  • Date of Birth: March 27, 1969
  • Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
  • Education: Attended Valdosta State University in Georgia; studied criminal science, which ironically prepared her for her most famous role.
  • Major Career Role: Abby Sciuto on NCIS (2003–2018). She also starred in the short-lived sitcom Broke (2020).
  • Other Ventures: Published writer, poet, spoken-word artist, musician (co-wrote and performed the song "Fear" on the NCIS soundtrack), and documentary producer.
  • Activism: A dedicated Christian and outspoken Civil Rights Activist, supporting LGBTQ+ rights, animal rescue, and numerous charities like Save the Children and Habitat for Humanity.
  • Retirement Status: Perrette retired from acting after the cancellation of Broke, focusing on her personal life and activism, though she remains a prominent public figure.

The Definitive List of Pauley Perrette's Real Tattoos and Their Meanings

While the character Abby Sciuto was known for her heavy eyeliner and lab coat, Pauley Perrette’s real-life body art is a carefully curated collection of deeply personal symbols. She has confirmed that she possesses around 14 real tattoos. The key distinction to remember is that the two largest and most visible pieces on NCIS—the large cross on her back and the intricate spider web on her neck—were makeup and costume department additions, belonging to CBS, not her. Everything else, however, is authentic Pauley.

1. The "12:21" Roman Numerals and Bible Verse

This is arguably her most famous and meaningful piece of body art. Located on the inside of her left ring finger, the numbers "12:21" are a direct reference to a favorite Bible verse, Romans 12:21.

  • Location: Inside of the left ring finger.
  • Meaning: It stands for Romans 12:21, which reads: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This powerful message of hope, resilience, and faith is a core tenet of her personal philosophy and a constant reminder she carries with her.
  • Topical Entity: Romans 12:21, Christian symbolism, Biblical tattoo.

2. The Iconic Smiley Face Knuckle Tattoo

A small, simple piece of ink that perfectly captures her effervescent, punk-rock personality is the smiley face. It’s a tiny, fun piece that contrasts with the more serious themes of her other tattoos.

  • Location: On the knuckle of her right middle finger.
  • Meaning: It's a simple symbol of happiness and positivity, often described as showcasing her "funny side and pleasant personality." This small, cheerful design became a recognizable feature of both the actress and the forensic scientist character.
  • Topical Entity: Knuckle tattoo, Smiley Face, Pop Culture Body Art.

3. The Mathematical and Numerological Code Tattoos

Pauley Perrette has a fascination with numbers, codes, and sequences, which manifests in a series of numerical tattoos across her forearms. This interest is a subtle nod to the logical mind of a forensic scientist, though the meanings are entirely her own.

  • "XII XII XII" (12 12 12): Located on her right forearm, these Roman numerals represent the number 12 repeated three times. The number 12 holds significant meaning in numerology and Christianity, often symbolizing completeness or divine government.
  • "11 11 11": On one of her forearms, she has the number 11 repeated three times. This is often associated with synchronicity, spiritual awakening, and angel numbers.
  • Binary Code "101010": Located on her other arm, this sequence is a binary representation of the number 42. In pop culture, 42 is famously known as the "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything" from Douglas Adams' novel, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
  • Topical Entity: Roman Numerals, Binary Code, Numerology, Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

4. The Spiritual and Personal Lettering Tattoos

Several of Perrette’s tattoos are simple lettering, reflecting her spirituality and personal identity.

  • "P" Initial: A simple, small "P" is located on her right forearm, just below the wrist. This is a straightforward initial, likely representing her own name.
  • "Let It God": Also on her right forearm, near the "P," are the words "Let It God." This phrase is a powerful expression of faith, surrender, and trust in a higher power, tying back to her Christian beliefs and the theme of overcoming evil with good.
  • Infinity Symbol: An infinity symbol is also present on her right forearm, often symbolizing eternity, empowerment, and endless possibilities.
  • Topical Entity: Spiritual Tattoos, Lettering Tattoos, Christian Faith, Personal Identity.

The NCIS Tattoos: The Fake Ink Explained

The contrast between Pauley Perrette's real, small, meaningful tattoos and the large, dramatic pieces designed for Abby Sciuto is one of the most intriguing aspects of her character. The production team needed a look that was immediately striking and memorable for the forensic scientist.

The Spider Web Neck Tattoo

The large, gothic spider web tattoo on Abby’s neck, often partially visible under her dog collar, was entirely temporary. It was applied by the makeup department for every single episode of NCIS. This piece of body art was crucial for establishing Abby’s Goth-meets-geek aesthetic, but it was not a part of Pauley Perrette's actual collection. The process of applying and removing this intricate piece was a daily ritual for the actress throughout her 15-year tenure on the show.

The Back Cross Tattoo

Another prominent piece of fake ink was the large, ornate cross that occasionally appeared on Abby's back or shoulder area. Perrette herself confirmed that both the spider web and the cross were "CBS" property, designed specifically for the character. The cross, while fitting the character's style, was not a reflection of Perrette's personal faith, which she expresses through her smaller, more intimate tattoos like the "12:21."

Pauley Perrette's Body Art: A Reflection of Her True Self

Pauley Perrette’s real tattoos—the tiny, hidden pieces of art—tell a story of a woman who is spiritual, intelligent, and deeply committed to her values. Unlike the bold, theatrical designs of Abby Sciuto, Pauley’s personal body art is subtle, often numerical, and packed with personal meaning, from divine intervention to philosophical concepts.

As she continues her life post-acting, focusing on her roles as an activist and writer, her tattoos remain a constant, authentic part of her identity. They are a permanent record of her beliefs, her journey, and the quiet strength she embodies, proving that sometimes, the smallest pieces of ink hold the biggest stories.

pauley perrette real tattoos
pauley perrette real tattoos

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