Bob Mackie: A Legacy of Hollywood Glamour

Bob Mackie, a legendary fashion designer known for his vibrant style and defining Hollywood glamour, passed away at the age of 87. He died in Palm Springs, California, due to pneumonia. His publicist, Jenelle Hamilton, confirmed this to CBS News.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” said a post on his social media. “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.”

Born in Monterey Park, near Los Angeles, Mackie was inspired by the glamour of Hollywood movies from a young age. He sketch costumes for his mother and sister and was involved in costume and set design in high school plays. He studied advertising and illustration at Pasadena City College before focusing on costume design at LA’s Chouinard Art Institute.

In 1966, he designed a new look for Mitzi Gaynor, which caught the interest of Carol Burnett. Mackie then became the wardrobe designer for “The Carol Burnett Show,” creating iconic costumes for characters like Nora Desmond and Eunice, including the green curtain dress for “Gone With the Wind” parody.

Mackie’s work continued on “The Sonny and Cher Show” after Cher noticed his talent. For Cher’s move to movies, Mackie designed daring outfits for the Oscars. Cher’s “naked dress” at the 1974 Met Gala, featuring sheer fabric and feathers, became iconic and graced the cover of Time magazine.

In an interview with “CBS Mornings” in October 2025, Mackie said, “My philosophy is watch what they do, how they work on stage, how they walk, how they sit. It is very important. You can’t just put a dress on anybody.” Cher always embraced his bold designs.

He was often called the “Designer to the Stars.” He won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and received three Oscar nominations, including one for Barbra Streisand’s “Funny Lady.” He joined the Television Hall of Fame in 2002. Mackie designed for Madonna, Sharon Stone, Diana Ross, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, among others. Marilyn Monroe’s famous sheer, beaded gown at JFK’s birthday was Mackie’s vision.

Mackie’s influence extends to modern styles worn by Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. His archival designs are popular with celebrities like Anya Taylor-Joy and Zendaya. When Taylor Swift wanted a showgirl look for her 2025 album, she chose Mackie originals.

“You don’t try to change anybody, you just try to make them look better than ever,” Mackie told The Associated Press in 2018.

On Broadway, Mackie designed for “On the Town” in 1971 and “Moon Over Buffalo” in 1995. He also worked on “Putting It Together” and “The Cher Show,” winning a Tony Award.

He ventured into retail in the 1980s and ’90s with a ready-to-wear line that appeared at New York Fashion Week. He was an early partner with QVC. Mackie’s personal life included a marriage to showgirl Lulu Porter and a son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr., who died from AIDS at 35. Costume designer Ray Aghayan, his partner, died in 2011. He is survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend, and Porter.