URGENT UPDATE: Eileen Fulton, the beloved star of the iconic soap opera “As the World Turns,” has died at the age of 91. Reports confirm she passed away on July 14, 2023, in Asheville, North Carolina, following a “period of declining health.”
Fulton captivated audiences for nearly 50 years as Lisa Miller, a character known for her dramatic storylines and tumultuous love life. Her remarkable journey on “As the World Turns” began in 1960 and continued until the show’s cancellation in 2010. Under her portrayal, Lisa was famously married eight times, with relationships that included three divorces, four deaths, and one annulment, solidifying Fulton as a pioneer of the “bad girl” archetype in daytime television.
Born in 1933, Fulton made her mark not only on television but also on the stage, performing in Broadway productions like “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and the off-Broadway classic “The Fantasticks.” Her contributions to the industry were recognized when she was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
Fulton’s legacy is characterized by her strong-willed approach to her career; she famously included a clause in her contract in the 1970s stating she would never play a grandmother, believing such roles lacked romance. She later softened her stance, but her commitment to portraying complex characters remained a hallmark of her career.
Throughout her time on “As the World Turns,” Fulton briefly exited the show three times—in 1963, 1965, and 1983—but always returned to the role that became synonymous with her name. She finally retired in 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of soap operas.
As fans and colleagues mourn her passing, Fulton’s impact on television and theater continues to resonate. Her portrayal of Lisa Miller not only entertained millions but also challenged the norms of female characters in soap operas.
The entertainment industry has lost a true pioneer, and tributes are pouring in as fans reflect on her significant contributions. Stay tuned for further updates on memorial services and tributes honoring Eileen Fulton’s remarkable life and career.
