Bob Mackie, the legendary Hollywood costume designer, was a nine-time Emmy winner whose enduring influence on television fashion earned him induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 2002.
WASHINGTON — Bob Mackie, the celebrated costume designer behind unforgettable looks for Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross and countless other stars, has died at 87.
News of the acclaimed designer’s death was confirmed in a statement shared Monday.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the statement posted on Instagram said. “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.”
Mackie became synonymous with glamorous television style through his work dressing Cher on “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” and Carol Burnett on “The Carol Burnett Show.”
He served as costume designer throughout the full 11-season run of “The Carol Burnett Show,” helping define the visual identity of one of television’s most beloved variety programs.
Over his career, Mackie received three Academy Award nominations and won nine Emmy Awards for costume design. In 1967, he and Ray Aghayan won a Primetime Emmy for “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” marking the first Emmy ever presented for costume design.
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His honors continued decades later: Mackie won a Tony Award in 2019 for his work on “The Cher Show.”
Mackie’s creations remained fixtures on red carpets long after their debut. Stars including Miley Cyrus and Anya Taylor-Joy have worn archival pieces by the iconic designer at major award shows and high-profile events.
Mackie began his Hollywood career in 1961 as a sketch artist for costume designers working on films. Five years later, Mitzi Gaynor hired him to create costumes for her Las Vegas revue and television specials, launching a career that would reshape the look of entertainment.
After seeing one of Gaynor’s Las Vegas shows, Carol Burnett and a TV producer hired Mackie to design the entire wardrobe for the first “Carol Burnett Show.”
Mackie often dressed Cher outside of her show as well, including at her concert tours.