Set Decorator Gretchen Rau passed away March 29, at her home in

Northport, New York, less than a month after winning the Academy Award for Art Direction with Production Designer John Myhre for “Memoirs of a Geisha.” She was 66 years old.

Born & raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Rau moved to New York in her 20's. She began as a member of NABET in NY, and was a member of both IATSE Local 44 [LA] and IATSE Local 52 [NY], as well as of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Her career spanned many years and she decorated more than 30 films.

Production Designer Jeannine Oppewal, with whom Rau worked on her last project, “The Good Shepherd”, as well as an earlier film, “Rooftops”, remembers: “Gretchen was one of the most well respected and beloved set decorators in this country.   She was as reliable in friendship as in work.  Everyone with whom she came in contact will sorely miss her.   She always said she ‘just loved her work’ in the film business, and her enthusiasms kept those around her buoyant in difficult times.”

John Myhre, production designer, said, "We had a lovely time on ‘Memoirs of a Geisha,’ a film we all enjoyed working on, and it was so important to all of us. ... She had a real sense of spirit to her, she was a good soul. ... I’ll miss more than just her wonderful talent and the great work she did as a set decorator, but also her wonderful spirit." Rau had worked with Myhre once before on “What's Eating Gilbert Grape.”

Lilly Kilvert, another production designer with whom Gretchen frequently collaborated, including her first Academy Award nominated project, “The Last Samurai,” offered this remembrance: “She was the most lovely person. When you were around her you just couldn't be in a bad mood. Her taste was impeccable, her style of working low key. She made everything seem easy. Her crew worshiped her, as did I. No matter how difficult a situation we were in we always ended up LAUGHING. It was an honor to know her. I am grateful for every day I spent with her.

She will be sorely missed by her many friends and co-workers. For many, she was a role model and mentor for life. She is survived by her 5 children: George Pattison, a director of photography, Taylor Pattison, a propmaster, Anne Pattison, a makeup artist, Stephanie Pattison, a school teacher, Jean-Paul Menard, a set dresser and propmaker, and 4 grandchildren.

In tribute to Gretchen, her family prefers no flowers. Donations to the donor's favorite charity are suggested. 

GRETCHEN RAU, SET DECORATOR: FILM CREDITS, AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

Academy Awards

2006 Oscar Best Achievement in Art Direction for Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) Shared With: John Myhre (art director)

2004 Nominated, Oscar Best Art Direction-Set Decoration for The Last Samurai (2003) Shared With: Lilly Kilvert (art director)

Satellite Awards

2004 Nominated, Golden Satellite Award Best Art Direction for The Last Samurai (2003) Shared With: Lilly Kilvert

Other film credits

The Good Shepherd - 2006

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - 2004

The Human Stain -  2003

The Shipping News - 2001

Unbreakable - 2000

The Story of Us -  1999

In Dreams -  1999

The Siege -  1998

The Horse Whisperer - 1998

City of Angels - 1998

The Crucible - 1996

Before and After - 1996

The Indian in the Cupboard - Set Decorator (New York)

I.Q. - 1994

Nobody's Fool - 1994

What's Eating Gilbert Grape -  1993

Six Degrees of Separation - 1993

Leap of Faith - 1992

Consenting Adults - 1992

A River Runs Through It - 1992

The Cabinet of Dr. Ramirez - 1991

Once Around - 1991

The Long Walk Home - 1990

Come See the Paradise -  1990

Rooftops - 1989

Mississippi Burning - Assistant Set Decorator- 1988

Tough Guys Don't Dance - 1987

84 Charing Cross Road - Set Decorator (New York)- 1987

No Mercy - 1986

'Crocodile' Dundee -1986

Death Wish 3 - 1985

Year of the Dragon - 1985

Once Upon a Time in America - Set Decorator (New York)-  1984

Fighting Back - 1982

Atlantic City - Set Decorator (uncredited), Property Master

Television 

Kennedy (TV mini-series) - 1983