Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Eileen Fulton's Iconic Journey: From 'Sweet Girl' to Villainess in As the World Turns

As the World Turns star Eileen Fulton, who acted on the legendary soap opera on and off for half a century, has died at the age of 91; pictured in 2011

SCANDALOUS SOAP STAR EILEEN FULTON PASSES ON AT 91, LEAVING BEHIND A LEGACY OF LOVE, LIES, AND LIPSTICK

Get ready for a tale of tantrums, tinsel, and tantalizing twists! The world is mourning the loss of Eileen Fulton, the queen of daytime drama, who brought sass, sparkle, and scandalous secrets to the iconic soap opera "As the World Turns" for an astonishing 50 years!

Born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1933, Fulton's journey began as a tiny tot, belting out folk tunes at her father's Methodist ministry services. Who knew that those early performances would ignite a passion for showbiz? After majoring in music at Greensboro College and studying under the likes of Sanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, and Martha Graham, Fulton was ready to take on the Big Apple!

She won the hearts of fans as the scenery-chewing 'bad girl' Lisa Grimaldi, who is pictured with her first husband Bob Hughes (Don Hastings) in 1962

Fast-forward to 1960 when Fulton landed her breakout role as the incomparable Lisa Grimaldi on "As the World Turns." What started as a sweet, innocent girl-next-door evolved into a deliciously wicked femme fatale, courtesy of Fulton's own creative liberties. Who could forget that signature sassy strut and those smoldering come-hither gazes? Fans went wild for her character's eight tumultuous husbands (yes, EIGHT!), each one more drama-filled than the last!

But don't let those soap opera shenanigans fool you – Fulton was a force to be reckoned with off-screen too! She famously inserted a "grandma clause" into her contract in the 1970s, ensuring that Lisa wouldn't become a grandma (gasp!) until she herself decided it was time. The media went wild for this diva move, and some even accused her of being a "baby killer" when her character's daughter-in-law suffered a miscarriage on the show!

Fulton's fiery spirit never faltered, though. She continued to dazzle audiences with her scene-stealing antics, earning the nickname "The Queen of Soap Opera" from fans and critics alike. Her co-stars adored her, but so did her devoted fan base – they showered her with love letters, gifts, and even a few death threats!

Fulton is pictured in character as LIsa, standing behind the central sofa, in a cast photo for the long-running CBS soap opera taken in 1962

Despite her on-screen persona's reputation for being a little bit naughty (okay, very naughty), Fulton was known for her generosity, warmth, and sharp wit. She remained steadfastly devoted to her craft, always pushing the boundaries of what her character could do. When asked about her iconic role, she quipped, "I've quit forever three times... but I just couldn't resist coming back!"

As news of Fulton's passing spread, tributes poured in from fellow actors, writers, and producers who worked alongside this beloved soap opera legend. Her final days were marked by a period of declining health, which ultimately took her from us on July 14th in her hometown of Asheville.

In the words of Irna Phillips, producer and head writer of "As the World Turns," Eileen Fulton was indeed "that little rascal who can play a b**!" And oh, how we loved to hate her! Rest in peace, Queen Lisa – your drama-filled legacy will forever reign supreme in our hearts.

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)