Eileen Fulton, ‘As the World Turns’ Icon, Passes Away at 91
Oh, this should be good. By Avery Sinclair.
Eileen Fulton, the trailblazing actress best known for her scheming role as Lisa Grimaldi on the soap opera As the World Turns, has died at the age of 91. According to an announcement from her family, Fulton passed away peacefully at her New York home on August 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that spans over six decades in daytime television. This marks the end of an era for fans who watched Fulton’s cunning character stir up drama in Oakdale from 1960 until 2010, making her one of the longest-running stars on any American soap opera.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina, on September 13, 1932, Eileen Fulton trained at the Actors Studio before landing her breakout part as the provocative Lisa Grimaldi when she was just 28. The role quickly became her hallmark, fueling ratings for As the World Turns and cementing her reputation as television’s original “vixen.” In interviews with People Magazine, Fulton recalled how viewers tuned in daily to see her character’s next move—the perfect mix of charm and deceit.
Fulton’s tenure on the show earned her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and a devoted fan base that endured long after she left the series in 2010. The Hollywood Reporter noted that her impact extended beyond soap opera storylines; she was an advocate for actors’ rights and played a key role in negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild in the 1970s. Her colleagues often praised her discipline and quick wit, attributes she attributed to her studio training and early stage work in off-Broadway productions.
Off-screen, Fulton was known for her candid personality. In a rare 2018 interview with Variety, she joked that she never minded being typecast as the villain, as long as she got to wear fabulous costumes and drive the plot. She married and divorced twice, most notably to Joseph Behar, a pioneering television producer, but she insisted that her true love was the stage and camera.
Her passing has sparked tributes from soap stars and industry veterans alike. Former As the World Turns co-star Don Hastings called her “a force of nature” in a statement, while Susan Lucci, another daytime legend, shared her condolences on social media. The show’s writers dedicated the next episode to Fulton’s memory, airing a classic montage of Lisa Grimaldi’s most notorious moments.
While the final curtain has fallen on Fulton’s storied career, her influence on daytime drama remains indelible. From sparking feuds that had viewers glued to their screens to shaping industry standards for performance and professionalism, Eileen Fulton carved a path few have matched. Fans planning tributes are organizing watch parties and retrospective panels to celebrate her life and work, ensuring that Lisa Grimaldi’s legacy endures in soap lore.
And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
