Eileen Fulton, legendary for her role as Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, has passed away at 91. Her groundbreaking portrayal of one of TV’s first “bad girls” left a mark on the world of soap operas, and her influence is still felt in shows like General Hospital. Let’s remember her legacy and the impact she had on daytime television.

Eileen Fulton, a pioneering figure in daytime television, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 91 after a period of declining health. Fulton was best known for her portrayal of Lisa Miller on As the World Turns, a role she inhabited for nearly five decades. As one of the first “bad girls” of soap operas, she forever changed the landscape of the genre, influencing many of the complex characters we see in General Hospital and other soaps today.

The “Bad Girl” Who Changed the Game

Fulton’s Lisa Miller was not your average soap heroine—she was feisty, manipulative, and unapologetically bold. Her character married eight times, had numerous affairs, and was a true trailblazer for the “bad girl” archetype. Lisa became one of the most talked-about characters in soap opera history, with viewers either loving or hating her, a phenomenon that set the stage for similar compelling characters in other soaps, including General Hospital.

Her career spanned decades, beginning in 1960 when she joined As the World Turns. Originally intended for a brief storyline, her character of Lisa quickly became an integral part of the soap, propelling Fulton into stardom. The world of daytime television would never be the same after Lisa Miller. Fulton’s strong, often controversial, performances paved the way for complex, multifaceted female characters that are now seen in modern soaps.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though Eileen Fulton’s career was built on her iconic role in As the World Turns, her influence extends beyond just one show. In 1998, she was inducted into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame, and in 2004, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmys. Many of the beloved, strong-willed characters in soaps like General Hospital owe a debt to Fulton’s portrayal of Lisa Miller. The drama, the intrigue, and the unforgettable romantic escapades are hallmarks of the genre that soap fans continue to enjoy.

Her character’s impact on soap operas cannot be overstated. Characters like General Hospital‘s Carly Corinthos, played by Laura Wright, carry a similar intensity and drive, drawing inspiration from women like Lisa Miller who broke the mold. It’s impossible to ignore the strong legacy Fulton leaves behind for the actresses who followed in her footsteps.

Eileen Fulton’s Enduring Impact on Daytime Television

Fulton’s success wasn’t just about the roles she played on-screen. She was one of the first soap actors to hire a publicist, a trailblazer in navigating her public image. She famously had a clause in her contract that protected her from ever being typecast as a grandmother, a decision that allowed her to keep playing dynamic, romantic roles into her later years.

Throughout her time on As the World Turns, Fulton faced both praise and criticism from the public. Her character’s controversial actions led to passionate fan responses, from angry confrontations in the streets to heartfelt admiration. She handled it all with grace and an understanding of the impact she had. As Fulton once said in an interview, “I’ve reached them,” referring to the viewers who responded so strongly to her character.

In 2010, as As the World Turns came to an end, fans said goodbye to Lisa Miller, but Eileen Fulton’s legacy lives on in the hearts of soap opera fans, from General Hospital to The Young and the Restless.

Eileen Fulton’s Legacy in Soap Opera Culture

Fulton’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of soap operas. Her contributions to daytime television were immense, and her influence continues to be felt in the characters and storylines we see today. From the strong women of soaps like General Hospital to the intense drama that keeps audiences glued to their screens, Eileen Fulton helped shape the landscape of daytime drama in a way that will never be forgotten.

As we say goodbye to one of the greatest actresses in soap history, we remember Lisa Miller and the countless other characters whose complexity and intensity she helped bring to life. Her work in daytime television will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.

How did Eileen Fulton’s role as Lisa Miller shape the world of daytime television, and what will her legacy mean for future generations of soap opera fans?