NCIS actress Pauley Perrette 'glad to be back' as she makes rare TV return

Pauley Perrette has made a rare return to the small screen following her retirement from acting.

The 53-year-old had turned her back on the profession after the cancellation of Broke, the CBS sitcom she was starring in, but she has surprised viewers with a return in support of one of her favourite charities.

Pauley is best known for playing Abby Sciuto in NCIS and the fan favourite is still asked when she will be coming back, after she left the role in 2018.

This week she appeared on the Lead with Love 3 telethon on KTLA5 network, on which she looked to raise funds for Project Angel Food.

Pauley Perrette made a rare appearance on TV this week to promote a charitable cause (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)

The actress is best known for having played Abby Sciuto in NCIS (Getty Images)

The actress was introduced on the show by host Jessica Holmes, who said: "Project Angel Food is all about love and caring, and no one knows that more than our friend and Project Angel Food trustee, Pauley Perette," before adding: "Pauley, how are you?"

Pauley said that she was "excited" to be back and told viewers: "I'm so glad to be here again. I was right here last year, it was fantastic."

NCIS actress Pauley Perrette said she was 'glad to be back' (CBS)

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Jessica then replied: "That’s right, and I know how much this organisation means to you and we know that every donation made tonight lets someone in our community know that we care.

"(And) that they are not alone, that they’re loved, and that they belong. And that’s such an important thing from the stories we’ve heard tonight."

Pauley then added: "It is, and not only are we giving food but we’re giving love. Tonight’s out night to let you guys join us in this wonderful thing."

It was a fundraising special broadcast on KTLA (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)

The NCIS legend continued: "You can be part of it because it's really great to be a part of."

Pauley then reached into her sock and produced her own donation. She said: "This is my $9,000 cheque, I think you can put it in…. thats for Project Angel Food."

The show's co-host, Eric McCormack accepted the cheque and said: "This is so generous, thank you Pauley." He then jokingly looked to pocket the cheque himself.

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