When it comes to daytime television, few names resonate with the same legendary status as Eileen Fulton. A trailblazer in the soap opera world, Fulton became a household name through her portrayal of Lisa Grimaldi on As the World Turns. Her legacy spans decades, redefining what it meant to be a soap star and influencing generations of actors in the genre.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Eileen Fulton was born as Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina. Raised in a musical household, she studied at Greensboro College before pursuing further training in music and drama at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. However, it wasn’t long before her passion for the stage led her to New York City to chase a career in acting.
Like many aspiring performers, Fulton’s journey began on the theater stage. She appeared in off-Broadway productions and quickly made a name for herself as a capable and charismatic actress. Her big break came in 1960 when she was cast in a brand-new role that would go on to define her entire career.
The Iconic Role of Lisa Grimaldi
In 1960, Eileen Fulton joined the cast of As the World Turns, a CBS daytime soap opera, as the character Lisa Miller Hughes (later Lisa Grimaldi). Initially written as a minor character, Lisa was intended to be a simple young housewife. However, Fulton’s dynamic performance brought such charisma and complexity to the role that writers quickly expanded her storyline.
Lisa Grimaldi evolved into one of the most complicated, glamorous, and conniving women in soap opera history. Over the years, Lisa became synonymous with scandal, romance, betrayal, and reinvention. Thanks to Eileen Fulton’s portrayal, the character endured multiple marriages, business ventures, and a long list of dramatic confrontations.
Fulton’s portrayal of Lisa broke the mold of traditional soap heroines. She was unapologetically bold, often manipulative, but always fascinating. It was this complexity that kept fans hooked and made Lisa one of the most enduring characters in daytime television history.
A Career That Shaped Daytime Television
During her five-decade run on As the World Turns, Eileen Fulton helped shape the very genre of daytime drama. Lisa Grimaldi became so popular that in 1965, CBS gave the character her own primetime spinoff titled Our Private World. Though the show lasted only a few months, it marked a historic moment—Lisa was one of the first soap opera characters to cross over into primetime, long before such moves became common.
Fulton’s work also helped redefine women’s roles on television. At a time when female characters were often one-dimensional or subservient, Lisa stood out as fiercely independent and willing to fight for what she wanted. Whether she was sparring with other characters or navigating romantic entanglements, Lisa—and by extension, Eileen Fulton—was always a force to be reckoned with.
Beyond the Soap Opera
Though best known for her work in daytime drama, Eileen Fulton has also appeared in theater, film, and cabaret. She performed in several off-Broadway plays and enjoyed a successful run as a cabaret singer. Her love for live performance remained strong throughout her life, often stating that the stage was where she truly felt at home.
In addition to her performing career, Fulton is a published author. She wrote multiple books, including an autobiography titled How My World Turns, in which she shares behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on her long-running career.
Honors, Awards, and Legacy
Eileen Fulton has received numerous accolades for her contributions to television and the arts. In 2004, she was honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her significant impact on the genre. Critics and fans alike have often credited her with helping keep As the World Turns relevant and beloved for over 50 years.
After As the World Turns ended its historic run in 2010, Fulton expressed her deep sadness but also gratitude for having had such a fulfilling role. “It wasn’t just a job,” she said in interviews. “It was my life. And Lisa was like a part of me.”
A Lasting Influence
Today, Eileen Fulton stands as a symbol of endurance, talent, and transformation in the world of television. Her portrayal of Lisa Grimaldi didn’t just entertain millions; it challenged the norms of storytelling in soaps, helping to usher in more dynamic, layered female characters.
Younger soap actors often cite her as an influence, and longtime fans continue to praise her contributions to the genre. Whether on screen or on stage, Eileen Fulton brought depth and authenticity to every performance, earning her rightful place as a television icon.
Conclusion
Few performers have had the kind of lasting impact on a genre that Eileen Fulton has had on daytime television. Her unforgettable portrayal of Lisa Grimaldi remains one of the most iconic roles in soap opera history. With a career defined by innovation, passion, and resilience, Eileen Fulton will forever be remembered as one of the greats who helped shape the golden era of soap operas.