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Eileen Fulton’s Unforgettable Legacy: 5 Decades Of Scandal And Stardom As *As The World Turns*’ Lisa Grimaldi

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The world of daytime drama recently mourned the loss of a true icon, Eileen Fulton, the veteran actress whose name became synonymous with the character of Lisa Grimaldi on the CBS soap opera, As the World Turns (ATWT). The news of her passing on July 14, 2025, at the age of 91, marked the end of an extraordinary life and a career that spanned over five decades, making her one of the longest-running performers in television history.

For fifty years, from her debut in 1960 until the show's finale in 2010, Fulton embodied Lisa, a character who evolved from a naive, troubled teenager into the glamorous, scandal-plagued matriarch of Oakdale. Her remarkable longevity and dedication to the role cemented her status as a soap opera legend, captivating generations of viewers with a blend of melodrama, charm, and undeniable star power.

Eileen Fulton: A Complete Biographical Profile

Eileen Fulton, born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty, was far more than just her most famous television role. She was an accomplished actress, a talented singer, and a published author, whose career highlights extended from the stage to the literary world. Her comprehensive profile is a testament to her versatile talent and enduring commitment to entertainment.

  • Full Name: Margaret Elizabeth McLarty
  • Known Professionally As: Eileen Fulton
  • Date of Birth: September 13, 1933
  • Place of Birth: Asheville, North Carolina, USA
  • Date of Death: July 14, 2025 (Aged 91)
  • Iconic Role: Lisa Grimaldi (née Miller) on As the World Turns (1960–2010)
  • Other Professions: Broadway and Cabaret Singer, Author
  • Notable Literary Works: A novel titled Soap Opera, six murder-mystery novels, and two biographies/memoirs.

The Scandalous Life of Lisa Grimaldi: Eight Husbands and a Legacy of Drama

Eileen Fulton’s enduring fame is inextricably linked to the dramatic life of her alter ego, Lisa Grimaldi. The character was a vortex of passion, intrigue, and scandal, which kept viewers glued to their screens for five decades. The most famous element of Lisa’s tumultuous life was her string of marriages, which became a running joke and a hallmark of her character.

Lisa, who began as Lisa Miller, was married an astounding eight times throughout the run of *As the World Turns*. Her ability to reinvent herself and bounce back from heartbreak made her a powerful, modern female character in the early days of television. Fulton herself once noted that over time, Lisa "matured and learned from her mistakes," a reflection of the character’s complex evolution.

The Men of Oakdale: Lisa’s Eight Husbands

The list of Lisa Grimaldi’s husbands reads like a who’s who of Oakdale’s most prominent—and often most troubled—men. This dramatic relationship history was a major source of the show's topical authority and emotional depth.

  • Bob Hughes: One of Lisa’s earliest and most significant relationships, which established her as a central figure in the Hughes family drama.
  • Grant Colman: A memorable marriage that added to Lisa's reputation for choosing powerful, complicated partners.
  • Eduardo Grimaldi: The marriage that gave the character her iconic last name, Grimaldi, and established her link to a more international, mysterious storyline.
  • Nicolas Coster's Roles: Interestingly, actor Nicolas Coster played two of Lisa's husbands—Eduardo Grimaldi on *ATWT* and John Eldridge in the spin-off, *Our Private World*—highlighting the interconnected nature of the soap opera universe.

The sheer number of marriages, eight in total, made Lisa the quintessential soap opera heroine—a woman who loved fiercely, lost dramatically, and always, always returned to the center stage of the town’s drama.

Beyond Oakdale: Eileen Fulton’s Multi-Faceted Career

While Lisa Grimaldi was her most famous role, Eileen Fulton's professional life was remarkably diverse, showcasing her talents as a singer and a writer, often simultaneously with her demanding television schedule. This versatility cemented her status not just as a TV star, but as a genuine entertainer.

From Daytime to Broadway Stage

Fulton’s roots were in the theater. Before her television breakthrough, she was active in Broadway productions and cabaret performances. Even after landing the role of Lisa, she maintained a strong connection to the stage. In fact, she was performing in Broadway shows as early as 1961, often balancing the demanding schedules of both live theater and daily soap opera taping.

Her stage career included various roles that allowed her to explore different facets of acting outside the confines of her long-running character. She was also a popular cabaret performer, utilizing her gifted voice in a one-hour show that toured extensively. This ability to command a live audience demonstrated a level of artistry that went beyond the close-up camera work of daytime TV.

A Life in Print: Authoring Mysteries and Memoirs

Adding another layer to her professional life, Eileen Fulton became a successful author. Her literary works provided fans with a deeper look into her personal and professional world, as well as offering her creative outlet in the mystery genre.

Her bibliography includes:

  • Two Biographies/Memoirs: These books offered personal insights into her life, her career on *As the World Turns*, and the challenges of maintaining a private life while being a public figure. They are essential reading for fans seeking to understand the woman behind the character.
  • A Novel, Soap Opera: A fictional work that drew on her intimate knowledge of the genre.
  • Six Murder-Mystery Novels: Fulton embraced the role of a mystery writer, publishing a series of novels that showcased her flair for drama and suspense, proving her narrative skills extended beyond televised scripts.

The Enduring Impact and Final Farewell

Eileen Fulton’s passing in July 2025, following a period of declining health, brought an outpouring of tributes from former castmates, industry peers, and devoted fans. Her legacy is one of resilience, glamour, and an unmatched commitment to a single role that defined an era of television.

The character of Lisa Grimaldi was a reflection of the evolving American woman—flawed, ambitious, and endlessly fascinating. Fulton’s portrayal earned her numerous accolades and the admiration of millions. She didn't just play a role; she grew up with her audience, navigating the social and cultural changes of the late 20th and early 21st centuries through the lens of her character. Her death is a poignant reminder of the golden age of soap operas and the irreplaceable stars who made them shine. Her work as Lisa Grimaldi will forever be a towering benchmark in the history of daytime television.

actress eileen fulton
actress eileen fulton

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