Eileen Fulton, the queen of daytime television, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the world of soap operas for over five decades.

Best known for her iconic role as Lisa Grimaldi on *As the World Turns*, Eileen was a trailblazer who redefined the portrayal of women on daytime TV.

Yet, her final years were marked by silence and controversy, revealing a bittersweet story of triumph, struggle, and an industry that slowly moved on without her.

 

Born Margaret Elizabeth McClardy on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina, Eileen Fulton grew up in a conservative southern town with dreams bigger than her surroundings.

She pursued music, training in opera and musical theater, before moving to New York City to chase her ambitions.

Her journey to stardom was not a matter of luck but of undeniable talent, grit, and timing.

 

At just 27 years old, she landed the role that would define her career and change daytime television forever: Lisa Grimaldi on *As the World Turns*.

At a time when women on TV were expected to be sweet, passive, and subservient, Lisa was the opposite — fiery, manipulative, unapologetically ambitious, and complex.

She became one of television’s first anti-heroines, captivating millions of viewers and challenging societal norms.

 

Lisa Grimaldi was originally intended to be a short-lived character, but Eileen’s raw magnetism and fearless portrayal forced producers to keep her on the show for an astonishing 50 years.

Through decades of cast changes, generational shifts, and the decline of the soap opera genre, Eileen remained a constant, a symbol of strength and complexity.

 

Her portrayal gave flawed women a powerful voice on television, making Lisa Grimaldi a cultural touchstone.

Critics often labeled Lisa as the “most hated woman on television,” but fans tuned in religiously to see her next move.

Eileen embraced controversy instead of shying away from it, making her character—and herself—unforgettable.

 

Despite her on-screen success, Eileen’s career was not without challenges.

She frequently clashed with writers and producers, fighting ageism and advocating for her character’s relevance.

As the soap opera industry began to decline in the early 2000s, networks cut budgets and reduced screen time for veteran stars, including Eileen.

 

She openly criticized the network for sidelining her, famously saying, “They think if you’re over 50, you’re done. But I wasn’t done. They just stopped writing for me. ”

 

This slow erasure from the show was painful, stripping away the platform she had helped build.

Other soap veterans echoed similar experiences of being pushed aside due to their age.

 

In 2010, CBS announced the cancellation of *As the World Turns* after 54 years on air.

The final episode aired on September 17, 2010, marking the end of an era.

Yet, even in the show’s last moments, Lisa Grimaldi’s character was given little closure—no dramatic farewell, no final monologue, just a quiet exit.

Fans and Eileen herself were left heartbroken by the lack of recognition.

 

Eileen refused to be erased quietly.

After the show ended, she returned to her theater roots, performing cabaret shows and speaking candidly about the industry’s treatment of aging actresses.

Her resilience and passion for performance remained undiminished.

 

In her later years, Eileen became an outspoken advocate against ageism in Hollywood.

She mentored younger actresses, supported LGBTQ+ causes, and pushed for more complex roles for older women.

Despite her efforts, she feared being forgotten—a fear she expressed poignantly in interviews.

 

Her death on July 17, 2025, was met with surprising silence from the entertainment industry.

Unlike other TV icons, Eileen’s passing received no major tributes from networks, award shows, or late-night programs.

The announcement was brief, with only close friends and loyal fans commemorating her legacy.

 

One of the few public tributes came from actor Dennis Quaid, whose heartfelt homage captured the depth of Eileen’s impact.

Quaid praised her fearless spirit, her groundbreaking role, and her dedication to the craft.

His tribute reminded fans and the industry alike of the profound mark she left on television history.

 

Eileen Fulton was more than just a soap star.

Before her television fame, she trained as a classical singer and performed opera and musical theater.

Throughout her career, she continued to perform in cabaret shows in New York City, blending jazz standards with personal stories from her life and career.

She was known for her sharp wit, comedic timing, and unapologetic honesty.

 

She also authored books, including *Eileen Fulton’s Soap Opera* and a mystery novel titled *Soap Opera Mystery: Death of a Golden Girl*.

Her writing was satirical and insightful, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the drama both on and off the screen.

 

Eileen Fulton’s portrayal of Lisa Grimaldi gave generations of women a character they could relate to—strong, flawed, ambitious, and unapologetically real.

She challenged the norms of her time and paved the way for more nuanced female characters in daytime television.

 

Her quiet passing raises important questions about how the entertainment industry honors its legends once their spotlight fades.

Eileen’s story is a reminder that fame and impact do not always guarantee lasting recognition, and that the fight for respect and visibility continues, especially for aging women in Hollywood.

Eileen Fulton’s life was a remarkable journey of talent, resilience, and courage.

From her humble beginnings to becoming a soap opera icon, she broke barriers and redefined what it meant to be a woman on television.

Though her final years were marked by silence and sidelining, her legacy remains powerful and enduring.

 

As fans remember her as Lisa Grimaldi—the fiery anti-heroine who captivated millions—they also honor the woman behind the character, who never backed down, even when the world tried to forget her.

Eileen Fulton’s story is more than a tribute; it is a testament to the strength and complexity of women who dare to defy expectations and leave a lasting mark on culture.

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