New York, NY-Television has lost one of its most iconic voices with the passing of Eileen Fulton, the indelible actress who brought the fiery, unforgettable Lisa Grimaldi to life on As the World Turns. She died peacefully at age 91, closing a chapter that shaped daytime television for over half a century.
A Star Who Changed the Script
Born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty in Asheville, North Carolina, Eileen’s journey to stardom began with a love for the stage and an instinct for the spotlight. After years of theatre training and performance, she stepped into the role of Lisa Miller Hughes in 1960 — a character originally intended as a short-term presence on As the World Turns.
What followed was a career-defining transformation. Fulton’s portrayal elevated Lisa into one of the first complex, unapologetic female characters in soap opera history — a character both adored and reviled, but never ignored. Lisa became known as the genre’s first “vixen,” setting a new standard for what women could be on television: dynamic, flawed, and powerful.
Fulton brought unmatched nuance to the role, humanizing Lisa through decades of turbulent relationships, personal reinvention, and emotional depth. From her first scene to her final bow in 2010, Eileen was a mainstay on American screens — a fixture in living rooms, a constant in an ever-changing world.
Beyond the Soap
While most know her as Lisa, Eileen Fulton’s talents extended far beyond Oakdale. She appeared in off-Broadway productions, charmed audiences with her cabaret performances, and recorded music that showcased her elegant voice and artistry. In every creative venture, she brought authenticity and magnetism that drew people in.
Her influence wasn’t just felt in her performances — it was echoed in the careers of younger actors she mentored, the writers she inspired, and the fans she embraced with genuine gratitude.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Known for her warmth, wit, and fierce loyalty, Fulton leaves behind a legacy not only as an entertainer but as a gracious presence in the lives of those who knew her. She never took her success for granted and often credited her longevity to the unwavering support of fans across generations.
Colleagues remember her as a consummate professional — dedicated, sharp, and endlessly passionate about her craft. She set a high bar and helped elevate soap opera from daytime diversion to cultural institution.
A Timeless Legacy
Eileen Fulton’s passing marks more than the end of a life — it marks the end of an era. With her death, the world of daytime drama says goodbye to one of its founding architects. Yet her legacy lives on in the thousands of episodes she graced, in the barriers she broke, and in the hearts of all who grew up watching her story unfold.
She is survived by her loved ones and millions of devoted fans worldwide. Private funeral services will be held by the family, with a public memorial to be announced at a later date.
As we say farewell to a legend, we celebrate a woman who redefined the screen, inspired a generation, and proved that even in fiction, truth and strength shine through.
Rest in peace, Eileen Fulton. Your light, like your legacy, will never fade.
