Award winning Broadway set designer Eugene Lee dies

The theatrical world mourns the loss of Eugene Lee, a multi-Tony Award-winning scenic designer and a mainstay in the production design of Saturday Night Live. On February 7, Lee passed away at the age of 83 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Lee was an integral part of the Saturday Night Live team since its premiere in 1975 and held the title of longest-serving production staff member. Throughout his tenure, he earned 18 Emmy Award nominations and won 6 of them. He also worked as the production designer of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon from 2014 to 2018.

With 27 Broadway credits to his name, Lee was a seasoned professional in the theatrical world. He received Tony Awards for his scenic design in productions such as Candide (1974), Sweeney Todd (original 1979 production), and the beloved musical Wicked (2004). Additionally, he was nominated for his work on the original production of Ragtime in 1998. Some of his other notable Broadway credits include Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Show Boat (1994), A Streetcar Named Desire (2012), Glengarry Glen Ross (2012), and Bright Star (2016).

In addition to his impressive career, Lee was also a resident set designer for Trinity Rep in Providence and was a key figure in the establishment of the theater. Sadly, just three days before Lee’s passing, his close friend and Trinity Rep’s founding artistic director, Adrian Hall, also passed away at the age of 95.