The entertainment world has lost one of its brightest stars — a woman who, for decades, captivated millions of viewers, making them hate her, admire her, and sometimes even emulate her. She became a television legend, surpassing all expectations that were originally placed on her character.
Her role was meant to be the typical “good girl,” but the actress had other plans. She transformed the character into a cunning, manipulative, and irresistibly charismatic “bad girl” — a move that forced the show’s writers to completely rewrite the storyline. That bold decision marked the beginning of one of the longest and most iconic careers in daytime television history.
She first appeared on screen in 1960. Though she left the show several times over the next five decades, she always returned. Her final appearance was in the last episode of the legendary soap opera in 2010. And now, it has been confirmed that the actress has passed away at the age of 91.
Her name was Eileen Fulton — the actress who brought Lisa Grimaldi to life on As the World Turns. The way she transformed her on-screen persona turned her into a true icon. In the early years, Lisa was portrayed as a “polite girl next door,” but she evolved into a sophisticated schemer that audiences loved to hate.
At one point, Eileen even added a so-called “grandma clause” to her contract, ensuring her character would never have grandchildren — fearing it would make her appear “old” and get her written off the show. The clause caused controversy, especially after a miscarriage storyline was introduced, leading viewers to wrongly believe Fulton was behind it and prompting a wave of angry, even threatening messages.
Despite the scandals, her dedication to the role and the love she received from fans remained unchanged. She continued to appear on the show until its very end — leaving behind not just a character, but an entire era in television history.
