Pauley Perrette has actually been playing Abby Sciuto since the 2003 episode of JAG that served as a backdoor pilot for NCIS.
Her skills and knowledge in the fields of science, mathematics, and forensics have made her instrumental in solving many of the biggest mysteries in the fourteen seasons of the series to date.
Abby is most recognizable for her gothic style of dress, but her significance to NCIS has never been about her look.
Pauley Perrette’s reveal that she has gotten feedback about Abby motivating viewers to pursue science is proof that the character’s abilities have set a wonderful example.