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The Tragic And Triumphant Legacy Of As The World Turns: Where Are The Stars Now In 2025?

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The world of daytime television was forever changed when As The World Turns (ATWT) premiered in 1956, evolving from a simple, intimate serial drama to a sprawling epic that captivated millions for 54 years. Though the final episode aired in 2010, the show's legacy continues to dominate soap opera conversations, especially with the tragic and poignant news surfacing in July 2025 that an absolute legend of the genre has passed away.

This article dives into the enduring impact of the fictional town of Oakdale, the recent updates surrounding its most famous residents, and the current status of the beloved show, which remains a benchmark for character-driven storytelling and groundbreaking plotlines.

A Tribute to the Legends: Prominent ATWT Stars and Their Current Status (2025)

The heart of As The World Turns was its unforgettable ensemble cast, many of whom dedicated decades to their roles. The most significant and heartbreaking update in 2025 is the passing of one of the show’s most iconic figures, which is a powerful reminder of the show's incredible longevity and the deep connection fans had with its stars. Here is a look at the show's central figures and what is known about them today:

  • Eileen Fulton (Lisa Miller Grimaldi): Eileen Fulton, who passed away in July 2025 at the age of 91, was arguably the most significant piece of recent news surrounding the show. She originated the role of Lisa Miller in 1960 and became one of the longest-running performers in television history, portraying the character for nearly 50 years. Lisa was famously dubbed the "first bad girl of television," setting the stage for all future soap opera vixens with her tumultuous love life, including marriages to Bob Hughes, Grant Colman, and Robert Hughes.
  • Don Hastings (Dr. Bob Hughes): The anchor of the Hughes family, Dr. Bob Hughes was played by Don Hastings from 1960 until the final episode. The series finale centered on Dr. Bob's retirement from Oakdale Memorial Hospital, providing a wistful and fitting conclusion to the show. Hastings, now in his 90s, remains a revered figure in the soap community.
  • Helen Wagner (Nancy Hughes): Helen Wagner holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running role by a single actor in a single television show. She uttered the show's very first line in 1956: "Good morning, dear." Wagner passed away in 2010, shortly before the show's final broadcast. Her character, Nancy, was the matriarch of the Hughes family and the moral compass of Oakdale for 54 years.
  • Kathryn Hays (Kim Hughes): Kathryn Hays played the complex Kim Hughes from 1972 until the end. She was known for her intense storylines, including her marriage to Bob Hughes. Hays passed away in 2022, compounding the loss for the ATWT family.
  • Elizabeth Hubbard (Lucinda Walsh): The legendary Elizabeth Hubbard played the powerful, manipulative, yet deeply beloved businesswoman Lucinda Walsh from 1984 to 2010. Hubbard is celebrated for her dynamic acting and remains active in the industry and attending fan events.
  • Martha Byrne (Lily Walsh Snyder): Byrne played the fan-favorite Lily Walsh for many years. She has been actively involved in discussions about a potential reboot of the show, often speaking with other alums about a possible movie continuation.
  • Van Hansis (Luke Snyder): Van Hansis played Luke Snyder, a character who became a cultural icon for being one half of the first gay male supercouple in American daytime history (with Reid Oliver). Hansis continues to work in television and film, often speaking about the importance of Luke's storyline.
  • Maura West (Carly Snyder): West, who played Carly Snyder, is one of the most successful ATWT alums, currently starring as Ava Jerome on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, where she is a multiple-time Emmy winner.

The Enduring Impact: Why Oakdale Still Matters

As The World Turns wasn't just a soap opera; it was a cultural institution that shaped the genre and pushed boundaries. Created by Irna Phillips, the show was originally broadcast live and set itself apart by focusing on the thoughts and emotions of its characters, giving it a more realistic, almost theatrical feel compared to its contemporaries. The show centered on the lives of the Hughes and Snyder families in the fictional Illinois town of Oakdale.

The show is credited with several major milestones that continue to resonate in modern television:

The First Daytime Supercouple: While the Hughes family provided stability, the show thrived on the drama of couples like Bob and Kim, and the explosive pairing of James Stenbeck and Barbara Ryan. Later, the show introduced the concept of the "supercouple" that would come to define the genre for decades.

Groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Storylines: Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the show's later years was the story of Luke Snyder. His coming-out story and eventual relationship with Noah Mayer (Nuke) and later Reid Oliver, garnered massive media attention and a loyal following. It was a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ representation in daytime television, proving that a major soap could successfully integrate such a storyline into its core narrative.

The Rise of the Vixen: Eileen Fulton’s Lisa Miller was a revolutionary character. She was a woman who was complex, flawed, and often selfish, contrasting sharply with the morally upright heroines of the 1950s. Her character's tumultuous journey through five decades of marriages, divorces, and schemes created the blueprint for the soap opera "bad girl."

The Search for a Reboot and Current Streaming Status (2025)

In the age of streaming and reboots, the question of whether As The World Turns will return is constantly on the minds of fans. With the recent news of other Procter & Gamble (P&G) serials, like All My Children, being eyed for movie reboots, the speculation around an ATWT revival has intensified among the cast and fan base.

Reunion Hopes and Fan-Driven Events:

While an official network reboot remains elusive, the cast has taken matters into their own hands. Over the last few years, several popular online reunions have been held, often featuring fan-favorite actors like Martha Byrne, Ellen Dolan (Margo Hughes), Jon Hensley (Holden Snyder), and Scott Holmes (Tom Hughes). These virtual events, often hosted on platforms like YouTube, serve as a direct connection for the fan base and keep the spirit of Oakdale alive. They have also been used to raise money for charitable causes, such as supporting live theater during challenging times.

The Frustrating Streaming Gap:

For fans hoping to binge-watch the 13,763 episodes, the current streaming situation is disappointing. As of late 2025, As The World Turns is generally not available on major streaming platforms. Unlike some other classic soaps, the vast majority of the show's run remains locked in the CBS and P&G archives, making it difficult for new generations to discover the drama of the Hughes, Snyder, and Walsh families. Fans are hopeful that the current trend of content acquisition will eventually lead to a deal that brings the classic episodes to a service like Paramount+ or Peacock.

Key Entities and Topical Authority in ATWT Lore

To truly understand the depth of As The World Turns, one must be familiar with the entities that shaped its narrative and history:

  • The Hughes Family: The moral center of the show, anchored by Chris and Nancy Hughes.
  • The Snyder Family: The farm-based family who brought a down-to-earth sensibility to Oakdale.
  • The Walsh Family: Led by the wealthy and formidable Lucinda Walsh.
  • The Grimaldi Family: Connected through Lisa Miller's many marriages, particularly to the international set.
  • Oakdale, Illinois: The fictional setting where all the drama unfolded.
  • Irna Phillips: The show's visionary creator, who also created Guiding Light.
  • Procter & Gamble (P&G): The long-time production company behind the show.
  • CBS Daytime: The network that aired the show for its entire 54-year run.
  • Luke and Noah (Nuke): The iconic gay supercouple.
  • John Dixon: A recurring antagonist and physician who was often at odds with the Hughes family.
  • The Final Episode: A wistful farewell focusing on Dr. Bob Hughes' retirement in 2010.

The legacy of As The World Turns is one of pioneering television, enduring characters, and a community of actors who remain connected to this day. The recent passing of Eileen Fulton serves as a powerful reminder that while the world may continue to turn, the stars who made Oakdale shine will never be forgotten.

The Tragic and Triumphant Legacy of As The World Turns: Where Are The Stars Now in 2025?
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