Summary
Eileen Fulton, born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina, is a legendary American actress best known for her iconic role as Lisa Grimaldi on the soap opera As the World Turns. With a career spanning over 50 years, she became one of daytime television’s most enduring and influential figures. Fulton began her journey in music and theater before landing her breakthrough role in 1960. Her portrayal of Lisa redefined the female soap character, making her both beloved and controversial for decades. Besides television, she also had a successful career in theater, music, and writing.
Eileen Fulton was born Margaret Elizabeth McLarty on September 13, 1933, in Asheville, North Carolina. Raised in a conservative Southern household, she was passionate about music and performance from an early age. Eileen initially pursued a career in classical music, earning a degree in music from Greensboro College.
But life had other plans. After moving to New York to study voice, she stumbled upon acting and fell in love with the stage. It was like discovering a whole new instrument—one that didn’t just use her voice but her whole being.
How Old is Eileen Fulton?
As of 2025, Eileen Fulton is 91 years old. Remarkably, she continues to inspire generations of performers and fans alike with her longevity, passion, and grace.
Eileen Fulton Height and Physical Features
Standing at around 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), Eileen has always had a graceful yet commanding presence. Her classic 1960s beauty—piercing blue eyes, elegant features, and charismatic smile—helped her captivate audiences for decades.
Family Life and Upbringing
Eileen grew up in a tight-knit Southern family. Her father worked in the insurance industry, while her mother was a homemaker who encouraged Eileen’s musical ambitions. Though she never had siblings in the entertainment business, her family always supported her dreams.
The values she learned in North Carolina—hard work, humility, and grace under pressure—stayed with her throughout her career.
Eileen Fulton’s Personal Life and Relationships
Despite her fame, Eileen has kept much of her personal life private. She was married briefly in the 1960s but never had children. Over the years, she’s been known for her independence, resilience, and dedication to her craft.
Eileen once said in an interview, “I married the stage,” and that’s pretty clear from how much time and love she gave to acting.
Her Big Break in Acting
After studying music and voice in New York City, Eileen began acting in small theater productions. She soon landed a few roles in off-Broadway plays, where her emotional depth and expressiveness caught the eye of casting directors.
But her real breakthrough came in 1960, when she was cast as Lisa Miller on As the World Turns. What started as a short-term role turned into a decades-long journey.
Rise to Fame with As the World Turns
Let’s be honest—Eileen Fulton was soap operas for a generation.
As Lisa Grimaldi, Eileen played one of daytime television’s first complex female anti-heroes. She wasn’t just a damsel or a villain—she was layered, unpredictable, and real. Viewers either loved her or loved to hate her.
Her run on the show lasted from 1960 to 2010, with only brief absences. That’s 50 years—a record for many in the industry. Her character evolved through eight marriages, dozens of betrayals, and countless dramatic twists.
Her performances helped redefine what it meant to be a soap opera actress—bringing nuance, glamour, and gravitas to the screen every day.
Other Notable TV and Film Appearances
While As the World Turns was her signature role, Eileen appeared in:
- Love, American Style
- Our Private World (a short-lived primetime spin-off of her soap character)
- Law & Order
- Various made-for-TV movies
Though none matched the cultural impact of her daytime work, they showed her range as a performer.
Stage Career and Broadway Presence
Eileen never left her theater roots behind. She starred in plays like:
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
- The Fantasticks
- Night Club Confidential
Her theater performances were praised for their intensity, timing, and emotional intelligence. Critics admired how she could own the stage with nothing more than a glance or a pause.
Books and Musical Ventures
Eileen has also dabbled in writing and music. She released:
- Autobiographical books, including How My World Turns
- Musical albums featuring jazz standards and cabaret numbers
Her voice, trained in classical music, made her a natural for the cabaret scene. Think of her as the kind of performer who could make a piano bar feel like Carnegie Hall.
Awards and Achievements
Over her long career, Eileen has received:
- Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Soap Opera Digest Awards
- Induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame
- Numerous nominations and fan-voted recognitions for her work on As the World Turns
Though daytime TV doesn’t always get mainstream recognition, Eileen is regarded as a trailblazer in the genre.
Net Worth and Financial Legacy
As of 2025, Eileen Fulton’s net worth is estimated at $6–8 million. Most of this comes from her:
- Long-running soap opera salary
- Theater performances
- Book sales and music
- Occasional endorsement deals and appearances
She’s always lived a relatively modest, elegant lifestyle, choosing comfort and privacy over flashy Hollywood extravagance.
Off-Screen Persona and Hobbies
In real life, Eileen is known to be gracious, witty, and deeply professional. She enjoys:
- Painting and writing
- Jazz music and Broadway shows
- Spending time in New York’s Upper West Side, where she lived for years
Even off-screen, she exudes the same charm that made her a fan favorite for decades.
Legacy in Daytime Television
Think of Eileen Fulton as the Meryl Streep of soap operas—only with more marriages and catfights (on-screen, of course).
Her portrayal of Lisa paved the way for stronger, more complex female characters in daytime dramas. Writers began writing better roles for women, and audiences came to expect more than just romance or betrayal—they wanted characters with depth, conflict, and evolution.
She’s truly one of the cornerstones of American soap opera history.
What Is Eileen Fulton Doing Now?
While she’s largely retired from acting, Eileen occasionally makes public appearances and gives interviews reflecting on her legacy. She enjoys her quiet life, surrounded by books, music, and memories of a brilliant career.
Though we don’t see her on TV every day anymore, her influence remains strong.
Conclusion
Eileen Fulton isn’t just a television actress—she’s a symbol of enduring talent, commitment, and resilience. From small-town roots to daytime royalty, her life story is both inspiring and iconic. She proved that with passion and persistence, you can stay relevant across generations.
So next time you think of daytime drama, remember the woman who helped define it—Eileen Fulton, the queen of soaps.
Also Read : Josh Lucas – Age, Height, Family, Career, TV Shows, Awards, Net Worth
FAQs
1. What role is Eileen Fulton best known for?
She is best known for playing Lisa Grimaldi on As the World Turns for over 50 years.
2. How old is Eileen Fulton now?
As of 2025, Eileen Fulton is 91 years old, having been born on September 13, 1933.
3. Did Eileen Fulton ever win any major awards?
While she didn’t win mainstream awards like Emmys, she received lifetime achievement honors from soap-focused institutions.
4. Is Eileen Fulton still acting?
No, she is mostly retired but occasionally appears in interviews and tributes.
5. What is Eileen Fulton’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $6 million and $8 million.
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