E. Jay Krause, Emmy-Winning Set Designer Behind ‘Hollywood Squares,’ ‘Laugh-In,’ Dies at 98

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98-year-old E. Jay Krause, the talented set designer behind “The Hollywood Squares” and “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” two iconic TV shows, passed away on April 12 in Los Angeles. He was the recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Throughout his long career from the 1950s to the 1970s, Krause created sets for more than 180 television shows. He collaborated with popular performers such as Bob Hope, the Jacksons, Diana Ross, and Mitzi Gaynor. His work encompassed various productions like “Shirley Temple’s Storybook,” “NBC Follies,” “The Bob Hope Show,” “The Hollywood Squares,” “Bob Hope’s World of Comedy,” “The Gong Show,” “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” and “The Jerry Lewis Show.” His contributions significantly influenced the golden era of television. He received Emmy awards for his set design work on “The Diana Ross Special” and “The Mitzi Gaynor Special.

In 1983, Krause established Omega Cinema Props, eventually growing it into one of the leading independent prop houses in Los Angeles. Throughout his professional journey, he and his wife, Doris, amassed a significant collection together.

Born in Los Angeles, Krause honorably served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his military service, which included participation in the 82-day Battle of Okinawa, he embarked on a design studies path at Pepperdine University and launched his entertainment career at NBC in 1951.

Over time, Krause accumulated several production credits, such as for TV specials like “Danny Thomas’ The Enchanting World of Burlesque: Second Edition” from 1966, the film “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” released in 1966 with Agnes Moorehead, and “Carol Channing and 101 Men.

Krause leaves behind his daughter, Carson, along with her husband, Barry Pritchard, as well as two grandkids and four great-grandkids.

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2025-04-15 21:46