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Beloved Soap Star Eileen Fulton Passes Away

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News Summary

Eileen Fulton, renowned for her role as Lisa Grimaldi on ‘As the World Turns’, has passed away at the age of 91. Known for her remarkable career in television and theater, Fulton is remembered for her contributions to the arts and her captivating performances. A cherished figure in the soap opera world, her legacy continues to inspire. She is survived by family members who honor her memory.

Asheville, North Carolina – Eileen Fulton, the beloved star of the iconic soap opera “As the World Turns,” passed away on July 14 at the age of 91 after a prolonged illness. Her death was confirmed in an obituary released by Groce Funeral Home, noting that Fulton had been in declining health prior to her passing.

Born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, Fulton’s early life was shaped by her family’s commitment to public service; her father served as a Methodist minister and her mother was a public school teacher. Fulton’s passion for performance emerged early, with her first public appearance at just two years old when she sang “Mama’s little baby loves shortening bread” in a church setting.

Fulton’s journey in the performing arts began in earnest after she graduated from Greensboro College in 1956, where she studied drama and music. Immediately following her graduation, she relocated to New York City, where she trained under prominent acting instructors Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg.

Fulton’s television career took off in 1960 when she made her film debut portraying Lisa Mae Bailey in the movie “Girl of the Night,” alongside actress Anne Francis. Later that same year, she was cast in the role of Lisa Grimaldi on the soap opera “As the World Turns,” joining during its fourth season. Originally intended to be a short-term character, Lisa Grimaldi became a central figure throughout the show’s entire run, which continued until September 2010.

Over her decades-long career on “As the World Turns,” Fulton’s character Lisa experienced an intriguing evolution, transforming from a “conniving, screaming witch” into a multifaceted personality, marrying eight times over the course of the series. The character was prominently featured opposite Bob Hughes, portrayed by Don Hastings, who served as her on-screen love interest for much of the show.

Eileen Fulton became one of the longest-serving actors in American soap opera history, celebrated for her contribution to the genre. In recognition of her achievements, she was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a prestigious Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Beyond the small screen, Fulton showcased her theatrical talents on Broadway, appearing in the 1963 production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and took part in the brief spin-off series “Our Private World” in 1965.

Fulton’s talent and dedication to her craft were further acknowledged in 1991 when she received a Soap Opera Digest Award for her compelling performance as Lisa Grimaldi. The actress also shared her life story in two autobiographies, with “How My World Turns” published in 1970, followed by “As My World Still Turns” in 1995. In addition to her autobiographical works, she wrote six murder mystery novels, showcasing her versatility as a writer.

After retiring from acting in 2019, Eileen Fulton relocated to Black Mountain, North Carolina, where she lived until her passing. She is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, and her niece, Katherine Morris, along with other family members who cherish her memory.

Fulton’s remarkable career spanned over four decades and left an indelible mark on the world of television and theater. Her contributions to the arts will continue to inspire future generations.