Eileen Fulton, the trailblazing actress best remembered for her iconic role as Lisa Grimaldi on the beloved soap opera As the World Turns, has passed away at the age of 91.
According to an obituary released by Groce Funeral Home, Fulton died on Monday, July 14, in Asheville, North Carolina, after a period of declining health.
Fulton was born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, where she was also raised. Her passion for the arts was evident from a young age. She went on to study drama and music at Greensboro College, where she honed the skills that would launch her into a remarkable career on stage and screen. Following her graduation, she made the bold decision to move to New York City in 1956 to pursue acting full-time, a choice that would change the landscape of daytime television forever.
In the early years of her career, Fulton took on various stage roles and earned praise for her performance in the 1960 film Girl of the Night. But it was that same year that she landed the role of a lifetime: Lisa Miller (later Grimaldi) on As the World Turns. Originally intended to be a short-lived character, Lisa quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to Fulton’s dynamic and nuanced portrayal of a complicated, ambitious, and often controversial woman.
Fulton broke new ground with Lisa Grimaldi, widely recognized as one of the first “vixens” on daytime television. The character’s bold personality and scandalous storylines challenged the era’s norms, and she quickly became a cultural touchstone. Lisa evolved over the decades from a rebellious young woman to a respected (yet still dramatic) matriarch in the fictional town of Oakdale. Fulton portrayed Lisa continuously from 1960 until the show ended in 2010—an astonishing 50-year run that made her one of the longest-tenured actors in television history.
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Beyond As the World Turns, Fulton expanded her reach in the entertainment world. In 1965, she starred in the soap opera spin-off Our Private World, one of the earliest primetime serial dramas. She also took to the Broadway stage, appearing in productions such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Fantasticks. In addition to acting, she was also a singer and cabaret performer, showcasing her vocal talents in venues across the country.
Fulton’s work in daytime television was recognized with several honors, including a Soap Opera Digest Award in 1991 for Outstanding Lead Actress and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Daytime Emmy Awards. She was also inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame and remained a beloved figure among soap fans for generations.
Off-screen, Fulton authored several books, including a memoir titled How My World Turns, in which she candidly reflected on her career, fame, and personal challenges. She was known for her wit, resilience, and dedication to her craft, earning admiration from colleagues and fans alike.
In interviews over the years, Fulton often credited her longevity on As the World Turns to her willingness to embrace the ever-evolving nature of her character. “Lisa was never just one thing,” she once said. “She was villainous, she was vulnerable, she was powerful, and she was always changing. I think that’s why people kept watching.”
Eileen Fulton leaves behind a lasting legacy not only in the world of soap operas but in American television as a whole. Her trailblazing role paved the way for complex female characters on daytime TV, and her five-decade career stands as a testament to her immense talent and enduring appeal.
Details about memorial services have not yet been made public. She is survived by extended family members and countless fans who cherished her contributions to television.
