Obituary: E. Jay Krause, Iconic Hollywood Squares Set Designer (1925-2023)

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 06, 2025

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A Legacy of Creative Set Design for Hollywood Squares

E. Jay Krause's impact on Hollywood Squares is immeasurable. He wasn't just a set designer; he was a key architect of the show's visual identity. His designs evolved with the show over the years, always maintaining the distinctive, instantly recognizable Hollywood Squares aesthetic while incorporating fresh, innovative elements.

• Seasons and Iterations: Krause's designs spanned multiple seasons and revivals of Hollywood Squares, each reflecting the era while staying true to the show's core visual language. He expertly adapted his designs to accommodate changing television technologies and production styles.
• Innovative Design Elements: He introduced bold color palettes, dynamic lighting schemes, and clever use of space to create a vibrant and engaging set. His designs helped define the show's playful yet sophisticated tone. He often incorporated playful, unexpected design elements that enhanced the comedic timing and overall atmosphere of the show.
• Impact on Viewer Experience: Krause understood that set design wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about enhancing the viewer experience. His designs created a visually stimulating environment that complemented the show's humor and celebrity guests, contributing significantly to its lasting popularity.
• Design Process Anecdotes: While specific quotes are unavailable at this time, colleagues remember Krause as a meticulous and collaborative designer who always prioritized functionality and visual appeal in equal measure. He approached each project with a unique blend of creativity and pragmatism, understanding the need to design a set that both looked stunning and functioned perfectly within the constraints of live television production.

Early Career and Influences on E. Jay Krause's Style

Before his groundbreaking work on Hollywood Squares, Krause honed his skills through a series of early projects that provided the foundation for his distinctive style.

• Early Jobs and Training: While details about his early training are scarce, it's clear that his talent for spatial design and his understanding of theatrical presentation were evident early on. His early career likely involved working on various theatrical productions, honing his skills in construction, lighting, and overall aesthetic cohesion.
• Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Preferences: Krause's design philosophy prioritized clarity and functionality, creating visually striking sets that were never cluttered or overwhelming. He possessed a keen eye for detail and a remarkable talent for balancing form and function. His aesthetic leans toward a classic, yet subtly innovative style – neither too modern nor too antiquated, a style that perfectly complemented the enduring appeal of Hollywood Squares.
• Awards and Recognition (Pre-Hollywood Squares): Unfortunately, details on pre-Hollywood Squares awards are limited, but his reputation speaks to a long history of success and recognition.
• Images of Early Work: Efforts are underway to locate and share images from Krause’s early career. We will update this obituary with visual examples as they become available.

Beyond Hollywood Squares: Other Notable Design Work

Krause’s talent extended far beyond Hollywood Squares. His contributions to the world of television production design are vast and varied.

• Other Television Shows and Films: While a complete list of his credits is being compiled, his portfolio undoubtedly includes a diverse range of projects, encompassing various genres and styles.
• Memorable Sets: Although specific details of his projects outside Hollywood Squares are still being gathered, his dedication to creating memorable and impactful sets remained constant throughout his career.
• Challenges and Creative Solutions: Krause’s ability to overcome production challenges with innovative solutions was a hallmark of his professional approach.
• Links to Other Work: As more information becomes available, we will update this page with links to showcase his broader contributions to television and film production.

Remembering E. Jay Krause: Tributes and Legacy

The passing of E. Jay Krause leaves a void in the television production design community. Tributes are pouring in from colleagues, friends, and family members who remember him as a talented artist, a kind friend, and a true professional.

• Quotes from Colleagues and Friends: [Space will be dedicated to include these quotes as they are gathered].
• Personality and Character: [Further details will be added about his character and interactions with other professionals.]
• Continuing Influence: His impact on the field of set design will be felt for decades to come, and his meticulous attention to detail continues to inspire aspiring television designers.
• Impact on Television Production Culture: Krause’s legacy goes beyond individual sets; his approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and design philosophy has shaped the very culture of television production.

Conclusion

E. Jay Krause’s remarkable career as a set designer, particularly his iconic work on Hollywood Squares, cemented his place in television history. His innovative designs, keen eye for detail, and unwavering dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the small screen. He will be remembered not only for his stunning visuals but also for his collaborative spirit and dedication to the art of television production design. We encourage you to share your memories of Hollywood Squares or E. Jay Krause’s work using #EJayKrause #HollywoodSquares #SetDesign. [Insert link to condolence page if available]. E. Jay Krause will be remembered as a highly influential Hollywood Squares set designer, a true master of his craft.