Entertainment
Hollywood Legend Passes Away At 87
Bob Mackie, the legendary costume designer whose dazzling creations transformed some of entertainment’s biggest stars, died Monday from pneumonia. He was 87.
Mackie’s representative confirmed his death to Fox News Digital.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” a post shared on his official Instagram read. “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,” the statement concluded.
Mackie is survived by his granddaughter, Alyssa Townsend; his great-granddaughters, Kyla and Keira Townsend; and his former wife, Lulu Porter.
Armed with sequins, feathers, beads and an unmistakable sense of spectacle, Bob Mackie created unforgettable looks for Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and a parade of other entertainment icons.
His career began gathering steam after he designed for Mitzi Gaynor. He later landed a career-defining assignment creating costumes for “The Carol Burnett Show,” remaining with the hit variety program throughout its entire 11-season run.
Mackie’s work became essential to the show’s comedy, helping Burnett and her cast turn outrageous characters and sketches into television classics.
“Throughout his extraordinary body of work, Bob Mackie understood the unique power of costume in comedy – to help create a character and become part of the creative energy that drove the comedy itself,” National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson told Fox News Digital.
“His work with Carol Burnett and the ensemble of ‘The Carol Burnett Show,’ with Cher starting with ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,’ as well as with Joan Rivers, Bette Midler and Lucille Ball, helped shape some of comedy’s most memorable moments on television and stage.”
A video posted on X showcased Cher in her iconic sequin-covered dresses designed by Mackie.
cher’s looks by bob mackie on “the cher show” (1975) will forever be iconic pic.twitter.com/En9mz4T0AX
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) September 14, 2026
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One of Mackie’s most famous creations was the towering feathered outfit Cher wore to the 1986 Academy Awards. The daring ensemble cemented its place in Hollywood history and captured the fearless style that defined their decades-long partnership.
Mackie previously credited Cher with helping push revealing fashion into the mainstream during the 1970s.
“Nobody was allowed to even design a halter dress until Cher started wearing them on Sonny & Cher [in the ‘70s], and then all of a sudden they were in everybody’s collection,” Mackie previously told People. “And then girls were showing way more skin than they should have, because Cher was showing more skin than she should have. But she looked good in it.”
His work earned nine Emmy Awards, three Academy Award nominations and a Tony Award for “The Cher Show.”
Mackie’s designs continued finding new life decades later as younger stars raided his archives for red carpets and major performances. Sabrina Carpenter became one of the most prominent members of that new generation of self-described Mackie girls.
At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Carpenter arrived in a sparkling vintage silver-and-white Mackie gown originally created for Madonna’s performance at the 1991 Academy Awards.
Carpenter honored Mackie on Instagram following his death, sharing several of the designer’s creations that she had worn in recent years.
“Terribly devastated,” she wrote on her Instagram story. “I feel so lucky to have met Bob. his one of a kind creations have inspired and brought so much happiness and confidence to my world, and they will continue to always x Mackie girl forever.”
Before his death, Mackie had recognized the renewed interest in his work as Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya turned to his archives. The resurgence introduced his signature brand of old-school Hollywood glamour and unapologetic showmanship to another generation.
