Pauley Perrette Is ‘So Grateful’ to Be Alive After Surviving Massive Stroke

Getting emotional while addressing her stroke, former NCIS star Pauley Perrette says how grateful she is to be alive.

Life has not been very easy for Pauley Perrette over the past several years, but despite it all, the Broke star just feels grateful to still be standing. Taking to Twitter, Perrette posted a video opening up about her current health struggles, revealing that last year she suffered from a massive stroke. She also touched on her other continued struggles along with some loved ones she’s lost in recent years. It’s been hard for the actress, but at the same time, her challenges make her feel more grateful to still be here.

The Twitter post reads:

It’s 9/2 One year ago I had a massive stoke. Before that I lost so many beloved family and friends. And daddy. And then Cousin Wayne. Yet still a survivor after this traumatic life I’ve been given so far… And still so grateful, Still so full of faith, And STILL HERE!

In the video, the former NCIS actress goes on to add:

“Hey, guys. Oh my god, it’s September 2nd, it’s the one-year anniversary from when I had a stroke. And I’m still here. Yes, I’m still here, again. Like, how many times do I cheat death? I have a hair dye allergy. I have food allergies. I’m a domestic violence and rape survivor, and I was assaulted by a crazy homeless person and almost died. And letting you know I’m still here. I am truly, really grateful, and especially for my rescue dogs… I’m here. I’m still here. I feel good. Been through a lot in the last two years… I’m still here, and I’m grateful.”

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Pauley Perrette Has Struggled for Years

Many of Pauley Perrette’s personal struggles have been well documented. She has alleged abuse from her first husband, Coyote Shivers, whom she divorced in 2006. Back in 2014, while working on NCIS, Perrette suffered from a severe allergic reaction to the dye used for her character’s ink-black hair. The following year, she was assaulted by a homeless man outside of her home.

While Perrette had been popular with fans during her run on NCIS, her experience working on the show behind the scenes was not stellar. In 2019, she said that she had quit the series as she was “terrified” of co-star Mark Harmon, claiming to have had nightmares about him “attacking” her. The former co-workers’ problems supposedly stem from an incident in 2016 when Harmon’s dog bit a crew member and Perrette was unhappy to see the animal later return to set, potentially putting people in danger. Perrette announced she was leaving the series in 2017.