Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie, the sequin-loving talent behind Cher’s most daring red carpet looks, has died at 87, his family confirmed on Monday, closing a six-decade career that reshaped American entertainment fashion.
According to a statement shared on Mackie’s official Instagram account, the designer passed away on Monday surrounded by loved ones. His cause of death has not been disclosed, and no further details about his final days have been released.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. 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.”
— Statement from Bob Mackie’s family, shared on Instagram
Born on 24 March 1939 in Monterey Park, California, Mackie broke into Hollywood as a sketch artist before being discovered by legendary costumer Edith Head in 1961.
He went on to dress some of entertainment’s biggest names over a career spanning more than six decades.
From The Carol Burnett Show to Cher’s most iconic looks
Mackie became best known for his eleven-year run designing every costume for The Carol Burnett Show, creating an estimated 17,000 outfits across the series. He also built an enduring partnership with Cher, dressing her for red carpets, concerts and television specials for more than 50 years.
Burnett later credited Mackie’s eye for saving entire comedy sketches with a single costume choice.
“Sometimes he would put me in stuff that would literally save the sketch.”
— Carol Burnett, on working with Mackie
Nine Emmys, a Tony and decades of iconic designs
Over his career, Mackie won nine Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award for The Cher Show in 2019, along with three Academy Award nominations for costume design. In 2016, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honoured him with its Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award.
Among his most famous designs were Cher’s feathered Mohawk and chainlink ensemble at the 1986 Academy Awards, Elton John’s Donald Duck costume for a 1980 Central Park concert, and the rhinestone-encrusted gown Marilyn Monroe wore to sing Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy in 1962, sketched while Mackie worked under designer Jean Louis.
Mackie’s influence continued into recent years, with his archival designs worn by stars including Taylor Swift and Zendaya, and his exaggerated, maximalist style widely credited as a touchstone for drag performance.
RuPaul’s Drag Race honoured him with a lifetime achievement award in 2023.
Tributes have continued to flow in from across the entertainment industry since Monday’s announcement, celebrating a designer whose work shaped decades of television and stage.
Details of any public memorial service for Mackie have not yet been announced.
