Pauley Perrette was one of the most famous faces on “NCIS” during her 15 seasons as forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Despite her frightening appearance, Abby was active and gregarious, thanks to her jet-black pigtails and Gothic style of clothes.
When Perrette left the CBS series, which is now in its 20th season, Diona Reasonover stepped in as Kasie Hines to fill her role as forensic specialist for NCIS.
Reasonover described the effort as “daunting” in an exclusive interview with Looper.
Nonetheless, five years later, Reasonover has made the part her own, building on Perrette’s legacy by putting her own colorful spin on Kasie’s outfit and being just as smart, charming, and pleasant as Abby.
Reasonover told Looper about taking up where Perrette left off and whether or not she and Perrette remained friends.
Reasonover was primarily reliant on Perrette’s legacy.
The prospect of replacing Perrette on “NCIS” was so terrifying to Reasonover that she had to convince herself that this was not the case. I had to reframe it for myself as not replacing, because how can you replace someone who has been an integral part of a show for 15 years?
Reasonover says. “That’s a daunting task.” I had to hope for the best and trust that the legacy she had left, which so many people had helped to build, would be preserved. That it was. I was quite lucky. “When I walked in, the fans, crew, and cast were all very supportive.”
While Reasonover’s behind-the-scenes arrival on the show was unique, she claims Perrette and the rest of the actors were nothing but kind.
“I had just gotten knee surgery,” she explains. “By the time I arrived on set, my leg was still messed up, and I had no idea what the script would be.” I wasn’t sure if they were expecting me to jump over a car or something.
Instead, everyone – including Pauley and Mark [Harmon] – was very lovely and sweet, always bringing me cold packs. It was a lovely, encouraging environment. I knew immediately. “I thought to myself, ‘This is where I want to be.'”
In terms of her connection with Perrette, with whom she briefly overlapped on the program, Reasonover can’t recall if the veteran “NCIS” actor offered her any wise counsel, but they remain friends in real life.
“She was always absolutely lovely and supportive,” Reasonover remembers. “I’m not sure if she gave me any specific words of advice that I can recall right now, only because it’s been five years, but we still talk.” We still do things together… ‘Hey, now that we’re five years in, do you have any recommendations for the next five years?'”
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