Eileen Fulton: Awards & Legacy History
Eileen Fulton, Daytime Television Icon and “Classic Daytime Meanie,” Dies at 90
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Eileen Fulton, the legendary actress celebrated for her captivating portrayal of Lisa Hughes on the long-running soap opera As the World Turns, has passed away at the age of 90. Fulton, a beloved figure in daytime television, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Daytime Emmys, a testament to her enduring impact on the genre. She was widely regarded as a “treasured icon” by those who knew her work.
A Trailblazing Career Defined by a Memorable Character
Before becoming synonymous with the role of Lisa Hughes, Fulton made an early appearance in the 1960 film Girl of the Night. However, it was her indelible performance as Lisa that catapulted her to household name status. Initially conceived as a simple “sweet girl next door,” fulton breathed life into the character, imbuing Lisa with a captivating complexity and dramatic flair that resonated with audiences for decades.
Lisa Hughes became known for her tumultuous life, marked by eight marriages, numerous romantic entanglements, and a polarizing effect on viewers who oscillated between adoration and animosity. Fulton herself famously described her character as the “classic daytime meanie” in a 1978 interview with People.”They hated her – and I thought it was fabulous,” Fulton once shared with NPR, reflecting on the passionate fan reactions to her character. The actressS notoriety even presented unique challenges; throughout her career, Fulton required a bodyguard to shield her from irate fans who disapproved of Lisa’s often scheming behavior. One memorable incident involved a fan confronting and slapping her in a department store.Fulton, with her characteristic resilience, took such encounters in stride, quipping, “I’ve reached them.”
despite her immense success, Fulton’s journey in the world of As the World Turns was not without its challenges. She departed the show multiple times, including a stint on its short-lived 1965 primetime spinoff, Our Private World. A significant contract dispute in 1983 led to Fulton’s departure, with Betsy von Furstenberg stepping in to replace her. Though, producers soon realized the character’s immense popularity and brought Fulton back when they considered killing off Lisa. “I don’t think anybody would believe Lisa is dead unless I do it,” she once quipped, highlighting her deep connection to the role.
Beyond the Soap Opera: A Versatile Performer
Fulton’s talents extended far beyond the confines of daytime television. She also achieved significant acclaim in the theater, starring in a notable broadway production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Her off-Broadway performances included roles in The Fantasticks and Abe Lincoln in Illinois. Demonstrating her multifaceted creative spirit, Fulton also ventured into writing, publishing murder mysteries, a romance novel, and two autobiographies: How My World Turns (1970) and As My World Still Turns (1995).
A Life Rooted in Passion and Performance
Born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina, Fulton was the eldest of three children. She was raised in a family led by her father, a Methodist minister, and her mother, a schoolteacher. From a young age,Fulton harbored a clear ambition; by the third grade,she knew she wanted to become an actress. She pursued this passion diligently, earning a degree in music and drama from Greensboro College. In 1956, she moved to new York City to hone her craft, studying acting under the renowned Sanford meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse. It was during this period that she adopted “Eileen Fulton” as her professional stage name.
In contrast to the dramatic romantic entanglements of her iconic character, Fulton’s personal life was more settled.She was married and divorced three times. following her retirement in 2019, Fulton returned to Black Mountain, North Carolina, where she spent her final years.
Eileen Fulton’s funeral service is scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 9, in asheville, N.C. Her legacy as a pioneering actress and a beloved icon of daytime television will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.