In Memoriam: Eileen Fulton (1933–2025) — The Soap Opera Icon Who Redefined Daytime Television
The world of television is draped in mourning following the death of legendary actress Eileen Fulton, who passed away at the age of 91. Best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Lisa Grimaldi on the CBS daytime drama As the World Turns, Fulton’s death marks the end of an era in American television—an era she helped define over more than half a century.
A Legacy Written in Soap and Scandal
Eileen Fulton wasn’t just a soap star—she was the standard by which all others were measured. Joining As the World Turns in 1960, just four years after its premiere, Fulton breathed life into a role that would become iconic. Her character Lisa Grimaldi (originally Lisa Miller Hughes), went from sweet young bride to one of daytime’s most captivating and complicated women. Over the years, Lisa racked up multiple marriages, betrayals, triumphs, and heartbreaks—and through it all, Fulton portrayed her with stunning emotional range and honesty.
The Evolution of a Daytime Heroine
At a time when female characters were often written as soft-spoken or subservient, Lisa Grimaldi was the opposite. Under Eileen’s transformative performance:
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Lisa was fiercely independent, ambitious, and unapologetic.
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She defied gender expectations, becoming a powerful force in Oakdale.
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She made mistakes, fought hard, loved harder, and never apologized for who she was.
Fulton transformed Lisa from a background character into a centerpiece, and in doing so, she helped reinvent what it meant to be a soap opera heroine.
A Revolutionary Performance
Lisa was often called the original “vixen” of daytime—complex, polarizing, and impossible to ignore. But Eileen Fulton refused to let her be reduced to a stereotype. Through every scandal, betrayal, and comeback, Fulton brought:
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Empathy to Lisa’s ruthless choices,
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Vulnerability to her toughest moments,
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And humanity to even the most melodramatic storylines.
It was this commitment to character that inspired writers to build entire arcs around her. Lisa became not just a character, but a pillar of the show—and Fulton, its heart and soul.
A Work Ethic That Never Faltered
Behind the scenes, Fulton was known for her discipline, sharp wit, and devotion to the craft:
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She memorized every line, never relied on cue cards.
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She insisted on doing her own makeup, reflecting her old-school dedication.
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Her co-stars respected her professionalism, her humor, and her refusal to phone it in—no matter how long the day.
Her devotion never waned—not across five decades, not through changing trends, and not even as daytime television itself began to fade.
Beyond the Soap World
While Lisa Grimaldi was her most famous role, Fulton was a true multi-hyphenate:
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She performed in cabarets, released music albums, and wrote books.
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She appeared on Broadway, showcasing her versatility beyond the world of soap operas.
Still, her heart always seemed anchored to As the World Turns. Even after the show ended in 2010, she remained a beloved figure in the soap world—appearing at fan conventions, offering reflections on her career, and embracing her legacy with warmth and humor.
A Trailblazer Remembered
Eileen Fulton’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief and admiration from fans, fellow actors, and television historians. She didn’t just play a soap opera character—she helped elevate daytime television into a legitimate artistic form. Fulton’s work showed that so-called “women’s entertainment” could be as layered, dramatic, and impactful as anything in prime time.
Her influence is visible in every morally complex woman we see on screen today—from daytime to streaming services. Her boldness in performance, her insistence on complexity, and her longevity paved the way for generations of actresses who followed.
A Daily Companion to Millions
For decades, Eileen Fulton was more than a character—she was a companion:
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The troublemaker, the grieving mother, the triumphant survivor.
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A woman viewers loved to hate and hated to love—but always tuned in to watch.
Lisa Grimaldi embodied everything that made soap operas magical: love, betrayal, resilience, redemption, and always a touch of scandal.
Final Curtain Call
With Eileen Fulton’s passing, television loses more than a star—it loses a legend, a trailblazer, and a woman who reshaped the soul of daytime drama. Her influence will continue to ripple through the industry for years to come, as newer generations inherit the storytelling freedom she fought to claim.
Eileen Fulton (1933–2025) will be remembered not just for the role she played, but for the ground she broke and the millions of hearts she stirred. Soap operas may fade, but legends like Fulton remain eternal.
Rest in peace, Eileen.
You turned the world—and changed it forever.
