Eileen Fulton, Soap Opera Legend, Passes Away

A serene tribute to Eileen Fulton with symbolic roses.

News Summary

Eileen Fulton, the renowned actress best known for her role as Lisa Miller on ‘As The World Turns,’ has passed away at the age of 91 after a period of declining health. Born in Asheville, North Carolina, she had a long and influential career in television and theater, becoming a beloved figure in the soap opera industry. Fulton earned numerous accolades throughout her life, including a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award and an induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame. She leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer in daytime television.

Asheville, North Carolina – Eileen Fulton, the legendary actress best known for her portrayal of Lisa Miller on the daytime soap opera “As The World Turns,” passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 91. Fulton passed after battling a period of declining health.

Born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, Fulton was the daughter of a Methodist minister and a public school teacher. She began her journey in performance arts at an early age, showcasing a remarkable talent from just two years old. Her early aspiration was to become the greatest actress on Broadway, a goal that eventually led her to a successful career in both television and theater.

Fulton joined “As The World Turns” in 1960 for what was planned as a brief three-month summer storyline but ended up stretching over five decades. During her time on the show, she became an iconic figure, with her character, Lisa Miller, known for her numerous romantic relationships, which included eight husbands—three marriages ending in divorce and four in the unfortunate circumstance of death. Fulton periodically left the show, with one notable departure being for a primetime spinoff, “Our Private World,” in 1965.

Her tenure on “As The World Turns” concluded in 2010, coinciding with the cancellation of the series. Fulton’s work earned her a multitude of accolades, including a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and an induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998. She became a cultural touchstone, eliciting both adoration and disdain from audiences who were enthralled by her character’s complex narrative arc.

In addition to her work in daytime television, Fulton also made significant contributions to live theater, performing in notable productions such as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “The Fantasticks.” Her career included a film debut in the 1960 movie “Girl of the Night,” marking her entry into motion pictures. Throughout the 1970s, Fulton even negotiated a notorious contract clause that prohibited her character from becoming a grandmother, a testament to her control and influence over her role.

Fulton’s multifaceted career wasn’t limited to acting; she also turned her creative skills to writing, publishing several works, including two autobiographies and six murder mystery novels. One of her notable literary contributions was a novel titled “Soap Opera,” offering insights into her experiences within the industry. Additionally, her vibrant personality led her to hire a publicist and a bodyguard, highlighting the intense fan interactions she often navigated.

Eileen Fulton is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, a niece, Katherine Morris, and her sister-in-law, Chris Page McLarty. Her legacy as a pioneer and cultural symbol in the world of soap operas will be cherished by fans and the entertainment community alike as one of the first daytime “superbs,” paving the way for future generations of actors.