Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Legendary Designer Bob Mackie, Who Defined Glamour, Dies at 87
Bob Mackie was a famous designer who made clothes for television, movies, concerts and dolls.
He died Monday at age 87 in California.
His publicist said pneumonia was the cause of death.
Mackie became well known for designing funny costumes for Carol Burnett.
He also worked closely with Cher and made many of her most daring outfits.
He designed clothes for many other stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand.
He won important awards, including nine Emmys and a Tony Award.
His designs continued to influence performers and fashion long after his biggest television successes.
Mackie’s team said his creative work would continue bringing beauty to the world.
Bob Mackie died Monday at age 87 in Palm Springs, California, from pneumonia, according to his publicist.
His television work included The Carol Burnett Show, The Sonny and Cher Show, and Mitzi Gaynor’s specials.
Mackie created many iconic costumes for Cher and also designed for Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler.
He won nine Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, and received three Oscar nominations.
Mackie’s influence continued through designs for performers, Barbie dolls and archival pieces worn by stars including Zendaya, Miley Cyrus and Anya Taylor-Joy.
- Who
- Bob Mackie, a fashion and costume designer known for designing for major entertainers, died at 87.
- What
- Mackie died after a career spanning television, film, Broadway, concerts, fashion and doll design.
- When
- He died on Monday; the articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- He died in Palm Springs, California, according to his publicist.
- Why
- His publicist attributed his death to pneumonia.
- Age at death
- 87
- Place of death
- Palm Springs, California
- Cause of death
- Pneumonia, according to his publicist
- Major television work
- The Carol Burnett Show and The Sonny and Cher Show
- Awards
- Nine Emmy Awards and one Tony Award
- Oscar nominations
- Three, including for Barbra Streisand’s Funny Lady
- Notable collaborators
- Cher, Carol Burnett, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross
- Other design work
- Mackie created dozens of Barbie dolls for Mattel
