Emmy Winner E. Jay Krause Passes Away at 98, Iconic Art Director Remembered

E. Jay Krause, an Emmy-winning art director and set designer renowned for his contributions to the classic era of television variety shows, passed away in Los Angeles, California, yesterday at the age of 98, according to Deadline.

Over a career spanning three decades from the 1950s to the 1980s, Krause created sets for more than 180 shows. He was celebrated for his creative and sophisticated designs, shaping the visuals for TV specials starring celebrities like Bob Hope, Diana Ross, Mitzi Gaynor, the Jacksons, and Rudolf Nureyev.

His pioneering designs for NBC’s 1960s game show The Hollywood Squares have become legendary at NBC Studios. His work in the 1970s, featuring psychedelic patterns for the sketch comedy show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, has also become iconic in popular culture. Krause was honored with two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Art Direction for Mitzi’s 2nd Special in 1970 and Diana! in 1972.

In 1983, Krause established Omega Cinema Props, which has evolved into one of the largest independent prop houses in the industry. According to its website, it offers “an unlimited selection of residential, institutional, and commercial props, including furniture, accessories, and lighting fixtures of all periods and styles.” Along with his wife Doris, Krause dedicated over three decades to gathering unique and rare set decorations from across the globe, assembling a collection that continues to be vital to film and television productions.

Watch on Deadline

Known affectionately as Jay, Krause was born and raised in Los Angeles. He bravely served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, participating in the intense 82-day Battle of Okinawa. Following his service, he followed his passion for design, studying at Pepperdine University, and started his illustrious career at NBC in 1951.

He leaves behind his daughter and son-in-law, Carson and Barry Pritchard, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.