Remembering Eileen Fulton: A Trailblazer of Daytime Television
Eileen Fulton, an iconic figure in the world of soap operas, has passed away at the age of 91. Best known for her longstanding role as the “bad girl” Lisa Miller on CBS’s “As The World Turns,” her talent and charisma captivated audiences for nearly five decades. Fulton died on July 14, 2025, in Asheville, North Carolina, following a period of declining health, as noted in her obituary shared by Groce Funeral Home.
Early Life and Education
Eileen Fulton was born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty in Asheville on September 13, 1933. Raised by her parents, James B. McLarty, a minister, and Margaret Glenn McLarty, a public school teacher, Fulton grew up in a nurturing environment that fostered her artistic talents. She graduated from Greensboro College in 1956 with a degree in music, demonstrating early signs of her passion for performance. Shortly after, she took the stage in the drama “The Lost Colony” in Manteo, North Carolina.
Pursuing a Career in Acting
Fulton’s ambitions led her to New York City, where she dedicated herself to the craft of acting. She studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse under renowned figures like Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg, diving deep into the techniques that would shape her career. Additionally, she honed her dancing skills with legendary choreographer Martha Graham. In 1960, she adopted the stage name Eileen Fulton and made her film debut in “Girl of the Night,” alongside actress Anne Francis.
Reflecting on her aspirations in a 1990 interview with The Washington Post, Fulton shared her dream: “I dreamed of being the greatest actress on Broadway.” Her love for performance was evident; “I love to sing,” she said, adding, “I love to make the audience cry. Of course, then I have to cheer them up.”
Iconic Role in "As The World Turns"
The same year she starred in “Girl of the Night,” Eileen Fulton landed her defining role as Lisa Miller. "As The World Turns" premiered in 1956, and Lisa quickly became one of the show’s most memorable characters—renowned as one of the first “bad girls” of daytime television. Fulton portrayed Lisa for nearly 50 years, navigating an impressive arc that included eight marriages and numerous dramatic storylines, with occasional breaks until the series concluded in 2010.
Interestingly, viewers initially despised Lisa, but over time, the character became a fan favorite. Fulton recalled her surprise at discovering that her character had a profound impact on viewers; some even named their children Lisa after her. “It was the beginning of feminism—women taking up for themselves,” she reflected, highlighting how Lisa evolved into a strong businesswoman who defended her rights.
Awards and Accomplishments
Fulton’s extraordinary work did not go unnoticed. She was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998, marking her significant contributions to the genre. Later, in 2004, she received a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying her legacy in television history.
Beyond her work on As The World Turns, Fulton graced the Broadway stage, including performances in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and the off-Broadway musical “The Fantasticks.” For years, she also delighted audiences with her cabaret act in New York City and Los Angeles. A prolific writer, Fulton authored several books, including two autobiographies and a series of mystery novels, showcasing her diverse talents and interests.
Life Beyond Acting
After a remarkable career, Fulton retired in 2019 and relocated to Black Mountain, North Carolina. Though she stepped back from the limelight, her impact continued to resonate within the television community and among her fans.
Eileen Fulton was married three times and is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, her niece Katherine Morris and her children Everly and Easton, as well as her sister-in-law Chris Page McLarty. Her legacy as a pioneering actress and a beloved character in the world of soap operas will forever be cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
