California-born costume designer Bob Mackie dies at 87 - USA Today
Bob Mackie, the Emmy- and Tony-winning fashion and costume designer whose glittering creations helped define the images of Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross and countless other entertainers, died Sept. 14, 2026, at age 87.
In a statement posted by his team, Mackie's representatives said he "lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer." Widely regarded as one of the most influential costume designers in entertainment history, Mackie left an indelible mark on television, music, Broadway and American pop culture.
Though celebrated worldwide, Mackie's story was deeply rooted in California.
Raised in Southern California, Mackie attended Chouinard Art School before launching his career in Hollywood. He began as a sketch artist at Paramount Pictures and later worked under legendary costume designer Edith Head, helping shape the golden era of studio filmmaking.
In recent years, Mackie made Palm Springs his home, moving to the desert in 2020. He became a familiar figure in the Coachella Valley arts community, participating in book signings, film festival events, and local cultural fundraisers.
His connection to California entertainment stretched across decades, from television studios in Los Angeles to red carpets and award shows that helped make the state synonymous with celebrity culture.
"Iβve been really lucky, Iβve had the best clients ever," Mackie told the Palm Springs Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network. "I have people that I really admire, and I admire their work ethic and talent."
Mackie built a career spanning more than six decades and became known for elaborate costumes adorned with sequins, feathers, beads and dramatic silhouettes.
His breakthrough came designing costumes for "The Sonny and Cher Show" and "The Carol Burnett Show." One of his most famous creations was Burnett's curtain-rod dress from the show's spoof of "Gone With the Wind," a television costume that became an enduring piece of comedy history.
His partnership with Cher became one of the most celebrated designer-performer collaborations in entertainment. Mackie created many of the singer's most recognizable looks, including her daring 1986 Academy Awards ensemble and several of the glamorous stage costumes that helped define her public image.
Over the years, his client list read like a who's who of American entertainment, including Elton John, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, RuPaul, Pink, Madonna and many others.
Mackie's accolades included nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award for "The Cher Show," three Academy Award nominations and numerous lifetime achievement honors recognizing his influence on costume and fashion design.
Few costume designers achieved Mackie's level of cultural influence.
His designs transcended fashion, helping create the visual identities of some of the most recognizable performers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Celebrities frequently credited Mackie's work with elevating their performances and public personas, while generations of designers drew inspiration from his bold, theatrical aesthetic.
Whether on television, Broadway, Las Vegas stages or awards-show red carpets, Mackie's work demonstrated how costume design could become part of an artist's legacy.
Mackie often said he discovered his passion for costume design as a child after watching classic Hollywood musicals. He remained devoted to the craft throughout his life, frequently emphasizing the importance of understanding performers and designing costumes that enhanced their presence on stage and screen.
Family information and details about survivors were not immediately available on Monday.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in across the entertainment world.
Mackie's team honored him as a designer whose "genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world."
Over the years, stars including Cher, Carol Burnett and Elton John publicly praised Mackie's influence on their careers. In the documentary "Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion," several entertainers reflected on how his designs shaped their images and elevated their performances.
