Eileen Fulton
September 13, 1933 ~ July 14, 2025
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Black Mountain, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailEileen Fulton, an actress, singer and author whose long career on the daytime drama As The World Turns earned her a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, died on July 14 in Asheville, N.C. after a period of declining health.
Fulton was born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty in Asheville on September 13, 1933. Her father, James B. McLarty, was a Methodist minister who served congregations in western North Carolina. Her mother, Margaret Glenn McLarty, was a public school teacher.
After graduating from Greensboro College with a bachelor’s degree in music in 1956, Fulton performed in the outdoor drama The Lost Colony in Manteo, N.C., before moving to New York to pursue her acting career, a move strongly supported by her parents.
Fulton studied acting with Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg at the Neighborhood Playhouse and later studied dance with Martha Graham. She began using the stage name Eileen Fulton and in 1960 was cast in the film Girl of the Night, co-starring with Anne Francis.
In 1960 she was cast in what would become the defining role of her career, portraying Lisa Miller on the CBS soap opera As The World Turns. The character would eventually be married eight times. Fulton played the role with only brief interruptions until the show was cancelled in 2010, making her one of the longest running soap opera actors in the United States. Fulton’s eagerness to play Lisa as a villainess contributed to the character’s popularity and therefore its longevity. She was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and was awarded a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.
For a time early in her career she not only was appearing in As The World Turns, which at that time was broadcast live, she was simultaneously appearing on Broadway in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and off-Broadway in the long-running musical The Fantasticks.
A talented writer and singer as well as an actress, Fulton performed a cabaret act for many years in venues around New York and Los Angeles. In 1970, she co-authored her first autobiography, How My World Turns. In 1995 she co-authored a second autobiography, As My World Still Turns, to celebrate her 35th anniversary on As the World Turns. She also authored a series of mystery novels.
Fulton retired in 2019 and moved to Black Mountain, N.C. She is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty (Karen) of Black Mountain; niece Katharine Morris (David) and their children, Everly Ann Morris and Easton Lane Morris of Fort Mill, S.C.; and sister-in-law Chris Page McLarty of Camden, Maine. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother, James Fulton McLarty.
Groce Funeral Home in Asheville is handling funeral arrangements. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Central United Methodist Church in Asheville, N.C.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Reverend James B. McLarty Music Scholarship at Brevard College in Brevard, N.C., or the Margaret Glenn McLarty ’28 and Eileen Fulton Music Scholarship Fund at Greensboro College in Greensboro, N.C.
Services
Gathering of Friends & Family: August 9, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central United Methodist Church
27 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)253-3316
Memorial Service: August 9, 2025 3:00 pm
Central United Methodist Church
27 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)253-3316
I grew up at Haywood St. Meth Church in Asheville, NC. Ms Fulton was the daughter of our pastor. I was a young girl, but I remember her coming once or twice a year in a limo.
Rest well great lady.
There is another Great Star in Heaven. I will never forget Eileen Fulton, when I had the pleasure of meeting her on the set of ATWT. I was a shy Fan who won a contest and got to spend a day on the set. Ms Fulton made me feel like a VIP, so friendly, so kind, and I found out that day that she is just as beautiful on the inside, as she was on the outside. God Bless her spirit, always.
Rest in peace Eileen I remember seeing her on the set of As The World Turns I worked on the 4 20 2001 episode I was at the beginning sitting on the floor next to Annie Parisse was fun to work on the show. Thoughts with everyone
Rest in peace to the late great Eileen fulton…
Ms. Fulton was not only an extraordinary actress, but also a gifted singer and a compelling author of numerous novels and two biographies. She is best known to millions as Lisa Miller on As the World Turns (1960–2010) and its spin-off, Our Private World (1965). Through that role, she entered our homes each day, inviting us into a world of fantasy and allowing us to appreciate her remarkable talents.
Soap operas are more than just television shows—they become part of our lives. The characters we follow often feel like family, and Ms. Fulton’s portrayal of Lisa became a cherished presence for generations of viewers. I encourage anyone who admired her work to watch her interviews with the Television Academy, which offer deep insight into her career and legacy.
Ms. Fulton will be deeply missed. She is an icon whose impact will live on in the hearts of millions.
To her family and closest friends, our hearts and love are with you all.
Terri Clay
Rest in peace, “Lisa”. You were an awesome actress and a beautiful lady.
Many many fond memories of her on ATWT.
her family during their loss. 91 years old is a blessing for all of us.
GN Green, USN (Ret)
You made all of our Worlds 🌎 Turn a bit brighter 💡.
I don’t know what to say. Miss you on ATWT and seeing your cabaret show in NYC. You did a Christmas show with my friend, Gerard Mawn as the director, at the Russian Tea Room. It sooo much fun. Thank you for the many wonderful times I saw you. Cherry County Playhouse, Traverse City, MI (first time 7/20/67) and in NYC. Thank you so much. My condolences to your family.
I loved watching you as Lisa with my Granny during the summers, then continued to watch until the last episode. RIP Eileen (Lisa)
I’m 65 and some of my earliest childhood memories are sitting listening to my mom, aunt, and grandma discuss Lisa and Bob and what had just happened on that days’ episode. I continued watching til ATWT went off the air. Lisa and Eileen will both be treasured forever by at least three generations! Love to all those missing her and celebrating her legacy.
I was named after her As the Wold Turns name Lisa
That was supposed to say she did a fabulous job. Sorry talk to text messed up. Thank you for letting me write on here. She will be missed.
I am deeply saddened by her passing. She was wonderful on ATWT. That remains my very favorite soap opera…
I miss it terribly.
Rest in eternal peace…Thanks for the
memories…
Eileen Fulton, a.k.a. Lisa Hughes, has been in my life since I was a very young child watching her on television sitting next to my mother. I continued to watch on summer vacation and at night when I could tape the show. I was fortunate to meet Ms. Fulton at her book signing and she was magical and larger than life. My sincere sympathies to her family and her many many other fans.
Prayers to your family 🙏🏻
My family was a huge fan. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Eileen was a beautiful woman and did such a good job playing Lisa. She made me proud to be a Southern girl
God Bless her family
Love you miss Eileen
God bless you always 🙏 ❤️ ms Davidson…love one of your fans of many….Mary Beatty
The end of an era. It’s 2025 and I scour youtube for old, grainy B&W episodes of As the World Turns from the 1960s to watch Miss Fulton in all her glory. Rest well you will not be forgotten.
Wanda Bise
Prayers for the family and rest in peace
My grandmother Birdie Ayers Rice was a huge fan of Eileen’s and As The World Turns was her favorite soap opera.
I am so sorry for your loss I used to watch as the world turns all the time on tv and My mom was from Asheville NC to my mom passed away last year from dementia but we used to watch all of the soaps on tv together every day I hope your family will share memories for years to come I hope you all will find comfort in knowing that she is with you in spirit and that you all will keep her in your heart and remember the good times you had with herok.
With Sympathy, a devoted fan
With Sympathy, a devoted fan
You grace the tv screen, always lovely. Blessings to your family
I started watching as the World Turns as a child with my Mother. I continued to watch after my Mother passed. I watched the last episode, and it was just sad to see it go off the air. Lisa was one of my favorite characters. She will be greatly missed. It’s like losing a family member.
After cutting my great aunt’s grass and being treated to a great lunch during Tar Heel summers in the early to mid 70s, it was a pleasure to watch her route for Lisa when Joyce and Grant came to town. Simple but fun memories. Thanks Eileen.
Watched you on ATWT with my grandmother and mother over the years. Watched on till the ending of the show, should have never stopped! You were wonderful! Thank you so much!
My mama was 92 years old. From my ❤️heart to your ❤️ heart. You have my sympathy family. Ms. Fulton was a great actress a great person. God bless. Trust God. From Barbara Williams and the late Pearl Ella Pratt Williams the late Charles Williams Garyville Louisiana
From Barbara Williams and the late
Pearl Ella Pratt Williams the late Charles Williams Garyville La.
My mama was 92 years old. From my ❤️ heart to your ❤️ heart.I am sending prayers to Ms. Fulton’s family. Ms. Eileen Fulton was a great actress a great person. God bless 🙏 🙌. Trust God. I am sorry for your loss. From Barbara Williams and the late Pearl Ella Pratt Williams the late Charles Williams Garyville Louisiana
m have my sympathy family. Ms. Fulton was a great actress a great person. God bless. Trust God. From Barbara Williams and the late Pearl Ella Pratt Williams the late Charles Williams Garyville Louisiana
From Barbara Williams and the late
Pearl Ella Pratt Williams the late Charles Williams Garyville La.
I remember her from when my grandma used to watch soaps. I had no idea she lived right down the road in Black Mountain. Condolences to her family. I had no idea that she never married.
Charles and Karen,
It was my grandmother who lived in the big, “old” house next-door to Charles and his family when Rev. and Mrs. McLarty were in Concord, NC. The family lived on North Spring Street, and I remember how loved the family was when Rev. McLarty pastored at Forest Hill Methodist Church. The McLartys were so good to my grandmother, and our family truly appreciated the love and attention they showed her. I remember when “Maggie” would come “home” to Concord to visit, and she was so kind to talk to my grandmother about “naughty Lisa”, and about Eileen’s many other acting projects of the time. I remember talking to Eileen out in the yard one time when I was visiting and she was “home”, and I thought, “She isn’t like a star at all– she’s just like the girl next-door!”. I was eight or nine at the time, and it was in those earliest days of when Lisa caught on like wildfire. I’ll always remember her kindness, and how “Lisa” made my grandmother’s last years brighter from her years on “As The World Turns”.
Charles, I remember your living beside my grandmother and I had cousins and friends at Concord High School who thought you were the greatest! And I thought you were really something, because you had an older sister who was famous, and was on television! I mean, what could be greater than that?! Your family will mourn the passing of “Maggie”, and the public will continue to miss “Lisa”, as only Eileen Fulton could portray her. God be with you and your family at this time, and please know that all of you made an indelible mark on our town called Concord, North Carolina. “Lisa”, as well as all of your family, will always be remembered.
Rest in peace Classmate
Eileen Fulton, better known as Lisa Hudge was a beautiful soul, inside and out. Such a great actress. Loved watching As the whole turn. She made the show what it was. I was truly a faithful watcher.God has called home a beautiful angel.
Got to see & hear her speak once
at a shopping mall in KCMO❤️
My Nannie & I faithfully watched
her portray Lisa on “As The World Turns.” Loyal fan!
Credit given. The lady did a great job of entertaining homebound veterans and many households. THANKS is mere words.
To the cherished family, friends, and admirers of Eileen Fulton,
Please accept our sincere condolences during this time of loss. While we did not know Ms. Fulton personally, her talent, grace, and longevity in the performing arts clearly touched the lives of many. What a remarkable legacy—to have given joy and inspiration through decades of artistic expression.
At moments like this, when someone who left such a unique imprint is no longer with us, our hearts naturally ache. But Jehovah, our ever-compassionate Heavenly Father, understands our pain and draws near to us in our sorrow. His Word assures us: “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NWT).
Though many people often view death as a final outcome, Jehovah gives us a far more comforting perspective. He promises that in the future, our loved ones who have died will be resurrected and have the prospect of living forever on earth in paradise conditions. This promise of the resurrection brings hope that is both real and deeply reassuring. Jesus himself said: “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28-29). What a precious hope—to see our loved ones again, healthy, vibrant, and whole, in a paradise earth filled with peace.
We are encouraged to know that Ms. Fulton’s life included meaningful contributions not just to the arts but also to education and legacy-building through scholarships bearing her name and that of her family. Such acts reflect a giving spirit, and the impact of her life clearly reaches far beyond the screen.
May Jehovah, “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), surround your family with peace. And may the promise of a future free from mourning and death bring you a measure of calm during this time of grief (Revelation 21:4).
With heartfelt sympathy and loving prayers,
The Guillory Family
Honolulu, HI
I was very sad to learn of Margaret’s passing. We dated all through high school in Asheville and later in college. We used to babysit you and your brother Jimmy when your parents would go out. Needless to say, we fell deeply in love and discussed plans to get married in our second year of college. She later went to Greensboro college and I went to NC State. As fate would have it, we drifted apart. In her first book, “How My World Turns“ she refers to me as “Bill Troward.” I last saw Margaret at her mother‘s wake in 2011. It was a happy reunion. She took me all around the room and introduced me to everyone there. Margaret was the epitome of a fine, beautiful woman. May God be with you and your family during this mournful and sad time and give you His Peace, which passes all understanding, for now and all time to come.
With Great Sympathy,
Bill Coward
She was beautiful, talented and a Outstanding Woman’s Role Model. May the family only smile from her memories For Ever More.
Charles & family – We were neighbors as young families in Kings Mountain, and my mother Marion adored yours and visited later in Black Mountain well into their 80s. Your Dad baptized my brother Chuck and me; Chuck was older so you may remember him. Margaret occasionally babysat me as an infant, and of course we followed her career. In the early 2000’s she was in Raleigh for an appearance, so I made private arrangements for a brief reunion at her hotel! It was much fun, and she was as lovely and regal as ever. What a life! Our thoughts and good wishes are with you all.
Jan Connors from Cranford NJ; a person who grew up having my own family with all the family in Oakdake Illinois! Lisa was a beautiful villain who I loved; a wonderful actor along with all the rest of the actors!
My cousin and I met a few of the Oakdale bunch in NYC and other places, a great experience for us!
I was a fan club member for years! Eileen was a Great Actress And A Beautiful Person. She Is Loved And Will Be Missed! Praying For Her Family, Love You All! RIP Eileen♥️🙏⚘
“Rest in peace, Eileen Fulton. You were a true icon of daytime television, and your portrayal of Lisa Grimaldi on As the World Turns was nothing short of legendary. The television landscape is what it is today because of you; you paved the way for formidable, glamorous, and complicated women like Angela Channing, Dominique Deveraux, and Alexis Carrington Colby. Thank you for creating a character that was so ahead of her time. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.”
Your portrayal of Lisa on As the World Turns was nothing short of groundbreaking. Glamorous, intelligent, and deeply complex, you brought to life a character who helped redefine women on television. You were a true trailblazer, paving the way for iconic roles like Angela Channing, Dominique Deveraux, and Alexis Carrington Colby—strong, commanding women who followed in your footsteps.
My heartfelt condolences to your family, friends, and all who knew and admired you. Your legacy will endure, and your impact will never be forgotten.
Thanks for great performances. Loved you on As the World Turns
Thank you for the years of working together. Thank you for your support and kindness. Thank you for all your beautiful talent.
My condolences to Charles and the McLarty family
Vinnie Martucci