With a career that reshaped daytime television, Eileen Fulton, the actress behind the unforgettable Lisa Grimaldi on As the World Turns, has passed away at 91.
According to the Daily Mail, Fulton, who died on July 14, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina, left an indelible mark on soap operas through her five-decade portrayal of a character who evolved from a sweet ingenue to a notorious villainess.
Born Margaret McClarty in 1933 in Asheville, North Carolina, Fulton grew up in a family shaped by faith and frequent moves. Her father, a Methodist minister, often relocated the family, giving her a nomadic childhood. From a tender age, she showed a flair for performance, famously interrupting a church service at age two to sing a tune called "Shortnin’ Bread." Her early interest in the arts led her to study music at Greensboro College. Initially, she worked in a church choir through a position her father secured for her. Yet, her ambitions stretched far beyond the choir loft, pulling her toward the bright lights of New York City.
In New York, Fulton honed her craft under the guidance of renowned teachers like Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg. She also trained with modern dance icon Martha Graham, broadening her artistic skills. Her big break arrived in 1960 when she landed the role of Lisa Grimaldi on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns.
Fulton originated the role of Lisa, initially portraying her as a kind-hearted young woman. However, she soon shifted the character’s persona by subtly changing her tone and motives during live broadcasts, turning Lisa into a cunning antagonist. Reflecting on this transformation, Fulton once said, "Change my intentions once we were on the air."
Over time, Lisa became a standout figure, once dubbed a harsh term by Time magazine for her ruthless antics. Through Fulton’s portrayal, the character married eight times, captivating audiences with each dramatic twist. By her later years on the show, Lisa softened into a more dignified matriarch, yet retained her magnetic charm.
In the early 1960s, Fulton juggled her soap opera commitments with theater, appearing in productions like The Fantasticks. She also starred in the original Broadway run of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, showcasing her versatility. Additionally, she took on a short-lived spin-off series, Our Private World, in 1965.
During the 1970s, Fulton negotiated a unique contract term to prevent Lisa from becoming a grandmother, fearing it would age her character prematurely. She later recalled her determination, saying, "That's not gonna happen to me." This decision stirred controversy in the 1980s when a storyline involving a miscarriage led some fans to wrongly attribute the plot to her influence.
The backlash was intense, with Fulton receiving threatening messages from viewers. She recounted one such letter, quoting, "It's because of you and your conceit, that you should have a 'grandma clause.'" She added, "You are a baby-killer, and we're coming to get you," highlighting the emotional toll of public misunderstanding.
Beyond acting, Fulton explored other creative outlets, including a touring cabaret show where she performed for live audiences. "I love to sing. I love to make the audience cry," she once shared about her passion for performance. "Of course, then I have to cheer them up," she added, showing her dedication to connecting with fans.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Fulton authored several books, including murder mysteries and a novel inspired by her soap opera experiences. Her talent on As the World Turns earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1988. In 2004, she and co-star Don Hastings were honored with Lifetime Achievement awards at the Daytime Emmys.
Fulton remained a fixture on As the World Turns until its finale in 2010, appearing in the last episode. Her final acting credit came in 2011 with a role in the film The Life Zone. She retired from the entertainment industry in 2019, returning to her hometown in North Carolina.
Fulton’s personal life included three marriages, all of which ended in divorce, with her last lasting just a few months. She had no children but is survived by a brother, two sisters-in-law, a niece, a grandnephew, and a grandniece. Her death on July 14, 2025, marked the end of an era for daytime television fans.
Throughout her career, Fulton embraced the highs and lows of fame with resilience. She once quipped about her recurring departures from the show, saying, "I've quit forever three times." Her humor and dedication cemented her as a beloved figure in entertainment history.