Bob Mackie, the prolific fashion and costume designer whose glittering, high-octane creations transformed American entertainment fashion for more than six decades, died Monday in Palm Springs, California. He was 87.
A statement published to Mackie’s official Instagram account reflected on his career: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” adding, “He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world.” Publicist Jenelle Hamilton confirmed that Mackie passed away from pneumonia.
Born Robert Gordon Mackie on March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, he briefly attended Pasadena City College and the Chouinard Art Institute before leaving school to sketch for Paramount Studios costume designer Frank Thompson. Early in his career, he assisted costume designer Ray Aghayan, who became his longtime business and life partner until Aghayan’s death in 2011. Mackie’s early work included drawing the original sketch for Jean Louis’ sheer dress worn by Marilyn Monroe during her 1962 performance for President John F. Kennedy.
Dubbed the “Sultan of Sequins” for his signature use of elaborate beadwork, feathers, and form-fitting silhouettes, Mackie became a household name through television. He served as the primary costumer for the entire 11-season run of “The Carol Burnett Show” from 1967 to 1978 and designed wardrobe for “The Sonny and Cher Show”. His partnership with Cher spanned decades, producing iconic cultural moments such as the midriff-baring, feathered mohawk look she wore to the 1986 Academy Awards. Recalling their initial 1977 fitting, Cher noted in a 2024 interview with People, “I see this guy over my shoulder walking in the door, and he’s beautiful. I turned around, and there’s this tall, kind of Adonis-looking guy with curly blonde hair and a suntan. And I went, ‘Oh my God, you’re so much younger than I thought you’d be. ‘ He said, ‘You’re so much thinner than I thought you’d be. ‘ And it was kind of like that from then on,” highlighting their immediate bond.
Mackie’s extensive client roster also featured many of the 20th century’s premier entertainers, including Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Liza Minnelli, RuPaul, and Bette Midler. His creative footprint extended into commercial fashion through collectible Barbie dolls for Mattel starting in 1982 and his popular line of wearable art for QVC during the 1990s. Across his career, Mackie received nine Primetime Emmy Awards out of more than 30 nominations, a Tony Award for costume design, and three Academy Award nominations for his work on “Lady Sings the Blues,” “Funny Lady,” and “Pennies From Heaven”. In 2002, he was honored as the first costume designer inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. His career trajectory was briefly commemorated on television earlier this year when he made a cameo appearance in an episode of the comedy series “Hacks” alongside Jean Smart.
Mackie is survived by extended family and leaves behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most influential visual stylists.
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