Following the death of soap icon Eileen Fulton on July 12th, 2025, her longtime As the World Turns co-star Martha Byrne shared a moving tribute on social media, celebrating the woman who significantly influenced the daytime television industry.
Martha Byrne Pays Tribute To The Great Eileen Fulton
"What can I say about Eileen Fulton," Byrne began. "The original soap star who paved the road for the likes of a Susan Lucci or Andrea Evans."
Fulton, who originated the role of the glamorous, cunning Lisa Miller Hughes on As the World Turns in 1960, quickly became one of daytime's most iconic figures. Her star power extended beyond the small screen, and her career helped redefine what it meant to be a soap star.
Byrne reflected on the early days of ATWT, when the show was still broadcast live, noting the significance of Fulton's legacy: "Since Eileen started on ATWT when the show was live there aren’t enough pieces of history for us to truly grasp the enormity of her stardom and presence in the entertainment business."
But Fulton wasn’t just an actress; she was also a writer. Byrne fondly remembered how Fulton incorporated real-life stories from behind the scenes into her writing, offering her fans subtle winks through fiction: "Maybe that was her way of giving the audience a wink to include them even more. She loved her fans, and she had many."
Fulton also performed one-woman shows, and Byrne recalled how they were always packed, proof of the deep connection she maintained with her devoted fan base.
As time passed and her screen time diminished, Fulton remained graceful and professional, an example to all. "As the years went on and her role wasn’t as prominent as it had been, she took it with class. I never heard her complain as many did who were frustrated they didn’t have a storyline. She was always a class act and a true pro."
Fulton’s confidence and poise never wavered, even as the industry changed around her: "She knew her value and was secure in herself. A national treasure who shaped the entire industry."
Byrne closed her tribute with a touching farewell that perfectly captured Fulton's signature flair: "Thank you Eileen. I’m sure there was a pink feather boa waiting for you just inside the pearly gates. ❤️"
Eileen Fulton’s impact on daytime television is indelible. She didn’t just play a role, she created a legacy. And thanks to tributes like Martha Byrne’s, her memory and influence will continue to inspire generations of soap fans and performers alike.
