soap opera

Eileen Fulton Iconic As the World Turns Star Passes Away at 91

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Eileen Fulton, best known for her groundbreaking role as Lisa Grimaldi on the iconic daytime soap opera “As the World Turns,” has passed away at the age of 91. Reports confirm that Fulton died in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, due to an undisclosed illness, having experienced a period of declining health prior to her passing. Fulton’s journey as an actress began when she joined “As the World Turns” in 1960, initially cast in what was meant to be a temporary role. However, her captivating performance quickly led to her becoming a central figure on the show, where she appeared in over 1,800 episodes over a remarkable span of more than 50 years. She once reflected on her audition, stating, “I knew I was going to get that part. There were two or three other girls there, but I just knew.” Her character, Lisa Grimaldi, became a defining figure in soap opera history, often regarded as the first “soap vixen.” Her tumultuous romantic entanglements, particularly with Bob Hughes, portrayed by Don Hastings, helped establish the concept of the “super couple” in soap operas. This dynamic captivated audiences and set the stage for future soap stars like Susan Lucci and Kelly Monaco. Fulton’s talent extended beyond daytime television; she was also a successful stage actress. During the mid-1960s, she balanced her role on “As the World Turns” with performances in Broadway’s original production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and the off-Broadway musical “The Fantasticks.” This dedication to her craft showcased her versatility and commitment to the performing arts. Over the years, Fulton became known for her larger-than-life personality, both on and off-screen. In a candid interview, she humorously acknowledged the rumors about her being a diva, admitting, “I want things done right, but I’ve learned that there’s a nice way to ask.” Her journey on live television was fraught with challenges, and she candidly recalled her early days on the show, stating, “I was awful when I first went on the show… I remember just not knowing how to ask somebody to be quiet.” Fulton’s contributions to television were recognized with numerous accolades, including her induction into the Soap Opera Hall of Fame in 1998 and a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Reflecting on her Emmy win, she expressed a mix of pride and relief, stating, “I wanted that Emmy ten years ago… I’m very happy to have it.” After “As the World Turns” was canceled in 2010, Fulton retired to Black Mountain, North Carolina, where she enjoyed a quieter life. She is survived by her brother, Charles Furman McLarty, sister-in-law Chris Page McLarty, niece Katherine Morris, and their children. Fulton’s legacy as a trailblazer in the soap opera genre is undeniable. Her character’s influence and her remarkable career will continue to resonate with fans and fellow actors alike. As the entertainment world mourns her loss, Eileen Fulton will forever be remembered as a pioneering force in daytime television.

Eva LaRue Embraces Her General Hospital Exit as a Gift

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Eva LaRue has expressed deep gratitude for her time on *General Hospital*, especially following her character’s shocking death. In a recent interview with *Soap Opera Digest*, the actress reflected on her exit, describing it as “an actor’s greatest gift.” LaRue, who portrayed Natalia Ramirez, was surprised by the dramatic conclusion of her character’s storyline, which involved an overdose on pills and alcohol, leading to her character’s death in the June 30 episode. LaRue, 58, noted that if her character had simply exited the show to reunite with her rock star daughter, it would have felt anticlimactic. “It would have been a boring exit!” she remarked. Instead, the writers crafted a compelling and intense arc for Natalia, providing LaRue with the opportunity to showcase her acting range in a way that few actors experience. “Natalia just goes into a full-on life spiral — a full-on, huge, juicy arc of a life spiral over the course of a couple of days,” she explained. “As an actor, I was just like, ‘Oh, my God, these are delicious!’” This marks LaRue’s first on-screen death, a milestone that she approached with both excitement and nervousness. “I’ve never been killed before,” she admitted, highlighting the unique nature of her final scenes. The actress expressed her satisfaction with the storyline, stating, “It was heavy, and I was so nervous days before because I thought, ‘I really want to do this justice.’” LaRue’s journey on *General Hospital* was initially intended to be brief, lasting only a couple of months. However, her time on the show extended over a year, allowing her to reconnect with friends from her previous role as Maria Santos on *All My Children*. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “It’s been really fun, and all my friends are there from *All My Children*. I love every second of it.” The actress’s departure has not been without its challenges. LaRue faced backlash from some fans following her exit announcement, which she addressed with grace and understanding. Despite the mixed reactions, she remains proud of her work and the impactful scenes she was given to portray. As she moves on from *General Hospital*, LaRue cherishes the memories and experiences gained during her time on the show. “I was really happy that they gave me those departing scenes. That was awesome,” she reflected. *General Hospital*, which has been a staple of daytime television for over 60 years, continues to capture the hearts of audiences with its rich storytelling and complex characters. LaRue’s journey serves as a reminder of the powerful narratives that can unfold in the world of soap operas, leaving both actors and fans with lasting impressions. For those who want to catch up on LaRue’s final moments as Natalia Ramirez, *General Hospital* airs weekdays on ABC and offers streaming options on Hulu. As the show evolves, fans can look forward to more captivating storylines and character developments, ensuring that the legacy of *General Hospital* endures.

Eva LaRue Discusses Departure from General Hospital Amid Fan Backlash

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Eva LaRue has opened up about her recent exit from the long-running soap opera “General Hospital,” revealing how intense fan backlash against her character contributed to her decision to leave the show. The actress, known for her role as Natalia Ramirez, confirmed her departure on June 30, 2025, after joining the cast in February 2024. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, LaRue shared that her initial stint on the show was meant to last only a couple of months. However, her time on “General Hospital” extended due to her chemistry with the cast and the engaging storylines. “It was great — and really fun because there are so many ‘All My Children’ actors there, and it felt like home,” she said. LaRue’s character, Natalia, was introduced as the mother of Blaze, portrayed by Jacqueline Grace Lopez. Initially, the writers aimed to develop a romantic storyline between Natalia and the show’s iconic character, Sonny Corinthos, played by Maurice Benard. However, the audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly negative, leading to a shift in the show’s direction. “People just weren’t buying it because they just hated my character so much,” LaRue explained. “I was so vilified that no matter what [the writers] did, it just wasn’t a solid enough rehabilitation that they were gonna buy me with Sonny.” This backlash made LaRue realize that her time on the show was limited, especially after the writers abandoned the idea of a romantic pairing between Natalia and Sonny. Reflecting on the contrast between her previous role as Maria Santos on “All My Children” — a character who was well-received by fans — and her experience on “General Hospital,” LaRue admitted it was challenging to be perceived so negatively. “It was hard for me, actually — for me as a person. Because in daytime, when you play a character like Maria Santos, love her or hate her, she was not ever meant to be a vilified character,” she noted. “And so it was hard from being that character, being a fan favorite, to being, like, literally hated.” Despite the difficulties, LaRue expressed gratitude for her time on “General Hospital.” “I had a blast at General Hospital,” she said. “I loved being there, and I had a lot of really great scenes, and I loved everybody that I got to work with. It was just an awesome experience, and I was really glad that I got to stay longer than I was supposed to.” LaRue’s departure is part of a broader trend in the soap opera world, where fan reactions can significantly influence character arcs and storylines. The emotional investment that viewers have in their favorite characters often leads to passionate responses, both positive and negative. This year has seen several shocking exits from beloved shows, highlighting the unpredictable nature of television storytelling. Following LaRue’s announcement, “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini praised her contributions to the show. “Eva’s been a dear friend for years, and I am so pleased we found an opportunity to work together!” he stated. “What originally was meant as a guest star arc turned into a longer and more satisfying arc, in thanks to Eva’s terrific work and chemistry with our cast.” As LaRue prepares to bid farewell to her character, fans can catch her final episodes airing this week. “General Hospital” continues to air weekdays on ABC and is available for streaming on Hulu, ensuring that audiences can still enjoy the intricate stories and compelling characters that have made the show a staple of daytime television. In the world of soap operas, where twists and turns are the norm, LaRue’s experience serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between storytelling and audience reception. While not every character can be a favorite, the passion of the fans remains a driving force in shaping the narratives that unfold on screen. As LaRue moves on to new projects, her time on “General Hospital” will undoubtedly be remembered by both her colleagues and the loyal viewers who followed her journey.