Fans of classic daytime drama still wonder about Eileen Fulton in As the World Turns, a role that defined soap operas for half a century. Known as one of television’s most enduring characters, she left an indelible mark as Lisa Miller, and with news of Eileen Fulton’s death, fans are revisiting her groundbreaking portrayal.
Here’s all you need to learn about the role Eileen Fulton played on As the World Turns.
What role did Eileen Fulton play on As the World Turns?
Eileen Fulton brought Lisa Miller to life on the CBS daytime soap As the World Turns in 1960.
Pioneering the archetypal bad girl persona, she transformed Lisa into a compelling villain whose storylines captivated viewers for decades. Fulton personally advocated for Lisa’s sharp, ambitious, and often manipulative edge. This creative decision cemented her as one of the longest-serving soap opera stars in American television history. Lisa endured eight marriages, numerous rivalries, and dramatic plot twists, becoming a central figure in the show.
Fulton’s portrayal earned her induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and the prestigious Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. She also garnered a Soap Opera Digest Award in 1991, celebrating her contribution to the golden era of daytime television.
At the height of her career, Fulton’s commitment extended beyond As the World Turns. While performing in the live soap, she simultaneously starred in the Broadway production Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and took on an off-Broadway role in The Fantasticks. She showcased her versatility with cabaret acts across New York and Los Angeles, delighting audiences with her stage presence.
Fulton also explored writing, co-authoring her first memoir, How My World Turns, in 1970. She followed it with As My World Still Turns in 1995 to mark her 35th anniversary on the soap. In addition, she published six murder mystery novels during the late 1980s.
The beloved actress left for her heavenly abode on July 14 in Asheville, North Carolina, at 91, following “a period of declining health.” News of Eileen Fulton’s death prompted tributes from fans and colleagues. After her retirement in 2019, Fulton settled in Black Mountain, North Carolina, where she lived quietly while remaining an enduring icon.
