Bob Mackie, Legendary Costume Designer for Cher and Elton John, Reported Dead at 87
TheWrap reports that legendary costume designer Bob Mackie has died at 87, with his team posting the news on his official Instagram. The cause of death was not disclosed—Mackie designed for Cher, Elton John and more.
TheWrap reports that Bob Mackie, the American costume and fashion designer famed for his work with Cher, Elton John and other musical stars, has died at 87. The announcement was posted on Mackie’s official Instagram page, where his team wrote that he passed away and praised his career; the post did not disclose a cause of death. Informant Wire has not independently confirmed the report. Mackie’s career spanned television, stage and film work and included multiple Emmy wins, a Tony Award and three Academy Award nominations.
Team announced his death on Instagram; cause not disclosed
TheWrap reports that Mackie’s team shared his passing on his official Instagram page. The post said: "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr Bob Mackie passed away today," and added that he "lived his 87 years to the fullest" and that his "genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever." The post did not give a cause of death. Because this account of events is sourced to TheWrap’s reporting, Informant Wire has not independently confirmed the details.
A defining figure in pop and stage costume design
Born in Monterey Park, California, in 1939, Mackie became one of the best-known costume designers in music and television. He rose to prominence designing for stars including Cher, Elton John, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand. His television work included the demanding variety-show environment of The Carol Burnett Show, where he reportedly produced large numbers of costumes each week, and he later designed for The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. He first broke into major live-performance work when Mitzi Gaynor hired him to create costumes for her Las Vegas revue.
Emmy wins, a Tony and three Oscar nominations
Over a long career, Mackie amassed significant industry recognition. He received 32 Emmy nominations and won nine Emmys, and in 2002 was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. He won a Tony Award in 2019 for the costume work on The Cher Show. Mackie also earned three Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design for Lady Sings the Blues (1973), Funny Lady (1976) and Pennies from Heaven (1982), according to the reporting.
Early training, long-term partnership and family details
Mackie was raised largely by his maternal grandparents after his parents divorced when he was two, and later lived with his father in Rosemead, California, where he attended Rosemead High School. He left Chouinard Art Institute early to work at Paramount Studios sketching for Frank Thompson, and later assisted costume designer Ray Aghayan. Mackie married singer and actress Lulu Porter in March 1960; they had a son, Robin, and divorced in 1963 while remaining close. Their son Robin died in 1993 of an AIDS-related illness. Mackie began a long-term relationship with fellow costume designer Ray Aghayan in 1963; they remained together until Aghayan’s death in 2011, according to reports.