News Summary
Eileen Fulton, beloved for her role as Lisa Miller on CBS’s ‘As the World Turns,’ has passed away at the age of 91. Her over five-decade career set a standard for soap opera acting, marking her as one of the longest-serving actors in the genre’s history. Fulton’s portrayal of the complex character contributed significantly to the show’s legacy and her induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame. Beyond television, she performed on Broadway and authored several works, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Asheville, North Carolina – Eileen Fulton, renowned for her iconic role as Lisa Miller on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, passed away on July 14 at the age of 91. Her death, attributed to ongoing health issues, was confirmed in an obituary released by Groce Funeral Home.
Fulton’s career on As the World Turns spanned over five decades, starting in 1960 and concluding with the show’s cancellation in 2010. This tenure marked her as one of the longest-serving soap opera actors in American television history. Her character, Lisa Miller, was known for her complex personality, often portrayed as a villainess who had been married eight times throughout the series. Fulton described her character’s origins as a “conniving, screaming witch,” and the role contributed significantly to defining the “bad girl” persona in daytime television.
Fulton’s portrayal of Lisa Miller not only captured the audience’s attention but also played a crucial role in the show’s popularity and her character’s enduring legacy. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the genre, she was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
Broadway and Beyond
In addition to her soap opera success, Fulton simultaneously performed in acclaimed theatrical productions. While working on As the World Turns, she showcased her talents in the Broadway play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and the off-Broadway show The Fantasticks. Her vibrant career extended beyond television and theater; she also performed a popular cabaret act in various venues across New York and Los Angeles.
Authorship and Legacy
Fulton was also an author, co-writing her first autobiography, How My World Turns, in 1970, followed by a sequel, As My World Still Turns, in 1995, commemorating her 35th anniversary on the soap. Additionally, she ventured into fiction in the late 1980s by publishing six murder mystery novels, showcasing her diverse talents and interests.
Early Life
Born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina, Fulton grew up in a family with strong academic and artistic influences— her father was a Methodist minister, and her mother was a public school teacher. After graduating from Greensboro College in 1956 with a degree in music, she moved to New York City to pursue her passion for acting. She adopted her stage name early in her career and made her film debut in Girl of the Night in 1960.
Reflections on Her Career
Fulton expressed astonishment at the cancellation of As the World Turns, comparing the emotional impact to that of losing a family member. She continued to act until her retirement in 2019, eventually relocating to Black Mountain, North Carolina.
Survival and Remembrance
Eileen Fulton is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, her niece Katherine Morris, and her sister-in-law Chris Page McLarty. Her contributions to the world of entertainment, particularly in soap operas, will be remembered by fans and peers alike as she leaves behind a rich legacy of complex characters and remarkable performances.
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
