What Became of Abby’s Eccentric Back Tattoo on NCIS?

“NCIS” boasts a wide array of memorable characters, and one fan-favorite is the cheerful Gothic forensic scientist, Abby Sciuto, portrayed by Pauley Perrette.

With her signature look featuring a lab coat over her black attire, big boots, and double ponytails, Abby defied the traditional image of a forensic scientist often portrayed in television.

In a 2007 TV Guide interview, Pauley Perrette revealed that Abby’s unique style was the brainchild of series creator Don Bellisario, who aimed to break away from the usual stereotypes by presenting an “alternative-style person” in the character. This led to Abby’s Gothic appearance, complete with multiple tattoos, while still radiating happiness and success. Perrette was a perfect fit for the role, given her background in criminal science and her real-life tattoos. However, some eagle-eyed viewers noticed that the fake tattoos on her character’s back were not always consistently shown throughout the series.