Recalling The Amazing, Vibrant, Hard Working, Acting Great, Eileen Fulton

I met Eileen Fulton, as stated above a vibrant great who died at age 91 last week, and first interviewed her at a classic car show, to benefit “burn survivors” and immediately felt at ease, her beauty, both inward and outward, shining with the day’s beautiful weather.

It was another September 11th (Jerry Rice got behind the Giants secondary, I met Angela that day after Claudell Washington went deep, “well into/aka deep” into extra innings, later that eventful day) and we sat in a classic car and were each, both serious and humorous, with burn survivor (she emphasized “survivor”) Loretta V.

Loretta, it turned out loved soaps but watched those on ABC and not Eileen in her iconic, 50 years role as “Lisa” on “As The World Turns.” (When Eileen used some of her southern charm in pronouncing and different accent emphasizing “As The World Turns” I “kvelled at my fortune in that moment).

Ms. Fulton gently asked that Loretta consider “switching.”

I told Eileen the ABC afternoon telecasts in upcoming LCS telecasts would interrupt at least one day of their soaps, she slyly, playfully giggled.

17 days later this classy lady appeared on my cable show, “Sports And More” live.

I recall she and I getting makeup for the endeavor on the “As The World Turns” set. So generous!

I had not spoken with Eileen in many years, but subsequent to that show, we had dinner once and I saw her wonderful cabaret show.

At one point, Eileen Fulton appeared live in 3 shows all in one day. First the then live “As The World Turns,” next some time, a 20 minutes window until her first appearance in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” allowed that after ATWT, with a night gig in another great show, (all three were), “The Fantastiks.”

Eileen Fulton did so much, a singer actress of course, prolific author but most of all exuded kindness and charm that made so many people, if not happy, at least happier.

I have been fortunate to spend time/interview “home run/nice” celebs, Al Lewis and Pat Cooper, to name two. My time with Eileen is also treasured.

Eileen with Andy B. at the live show, “Sports and More” in 1988.