Jeff Folmsbee

Class of 1975; Elected 2008

Jeff got his start at age 13 when he received a Super 8 movie camera for Christmas.  He made student films at SHS, attended Simon’s Rock Early College and graduated in 1979 from Wesleyan University with a B.A. with High Honors in Film.  Moving to New York City, he progressed from production assistant to executive producer, working at such places as Saturday Night Live, Comedy Central, and PBS’s American Playhouse.  After freelancing for 15 years, Jeff landed at PBS where he produced over 150 documentary programs on the arts and culture.  For 6 years he executive produced the first hour of The Tony Awards which format he co-created.  His work has been recognized with 39 Emmy Awards, and 19 Cine Golden Eagle (non-theatrical film and video) awards.  In addition, each of the three series he created (EGG, City Arts, and City Life) has been honored with the Peabody Award, the most prestigious award in the television industry.