News Summary
Eileen Fulton, best known for her iconic role as Lisa Miller on ‘As the World Turns,’ has passed away in Asheville, North Carolina. Celebrated for pioneering the ‘vixen’ trope in soap operas, Fulton had a remarkable career spanning several decades. Her significant contributions to daytime television have left an enduring legacy. She received numerous awards, including induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award. Fulton’s influence continues to inspire generations of actors.
Asheville, N.C. – Eileen Fulton, Iconic Soap Opera Star of “As the World Turns,” Passes Away at 91
Eileen Fulton, renowned for her portrayal of Lisa Miller on CBS’ “As the World Turns,” passed away on July 14, 2023, at the age of 91. She died in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking figure in the realm of daytime television.
Pioneer of the Vixen Trope
Fulton is celebrated as the pioneer of the “vixen” archetype in soap operas and is often referred to as the first “bad girl” of daytime television. Her character, Lisa Miller, first graced screens in May 1960 and remained a staple of the show until its cancellation in September 2010. This remarkable tenure made Fulton one of the longest-serving soap opera stars in U.S. television history.
Career Highlights and Achievements
The character of Lisa Miller was originally intended for actress Lois Smith, but Fulton’s captivating performance during her audition led to her casting. Over the decades, Fulton received numerous accolades for her work, including an induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
Early Life and Education
Eileen Fulton was born as Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933. Raised in Asheville, she was the daughter of a Methodist minister and a public school teacher. After completing her education at Greensboro College with a bachelor’s degree in music in 1956, Fulton pursued her passion for acting in New York City.
Training and Early Career
Fulton honed her craft under the tutelage of influential acting coaches such as Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg, and she trained with the renowned dance instructor Martha Graham. She made her film debut in 1960 with “Girl of the Night” before joining the cast of “As the World Turns,” where she achieved her most significant fame.
Broadway and Beyond
In addition to her work on television, Fulton simultaneously performed in notable stage productions such as Broadway’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and off-Broadway’s “The Fantasticks.” She also dazzled audiences with a cabaret act that she performed in various venues across New York and Los Angeles.
Authorship and Later Years
Beyond acting, Fulton authored two autobiographies, titled “How My World Turns” and “As My World Still Turns,” published in 1970 and 1995 respectively. The latter coincided with her 35th anniversary on “As the World Turns.” She also wrote a series of murder-mystery novels, in addition to a work titled “Soap Opera.”
Retirement and Legacy
After a prolific career that spanned several decades, Fulton retired from acting in 2019 and relocated to Black Mountain, North Carolina. She is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, her niece, Katherine Morris, and her sister-in-law Chris Page McLarty. Fulton’s legacy endures not only through her impactful roles and contributions to daytime television but also as a trailblazer who shaped the genre and inspired future generations of actors.
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HERE Resources
Eileen Fulton, Soap Opera Legend, Passes Away
Beloved Soap Star Eileen Fulton Passes Away
Eileen Fulton, Iconic Soap Opera Star, Passes Away at 91
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Legacy
- New York Post
- Deadline
- WION
- Wikipedia: Eileen Fulton
- Google Search: Eileen Fulton
- Google Scholar: Eileen Fulton
- Google News: Eileen Fulton
