Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion and costume designer known for dressing some of the biggest stars, died Monday. He was 87.
Mackie died of pneumonia, his representative confirmed 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.
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He is survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Townsend, his great-granddaughters Kyla and Keira Townsend and his former wife, Lulu Porter.
Mackie was known for his glittering, theatrical creations that helped define the looks of stars such as Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Tina Turner.
His career took off after he began designing for Mitzi Gaynor and then landed the job of creating costumes for “The Carol Burnett Show,” remaining with the variety series throughout its 11-season run.
“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.”
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Among his most recognizable creations was Cher’s dramatic feathered ensemble at the 1986 Academy Awards. His work earned him nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award for “The Cher Show” and three Academy Award nominations.
“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.”
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His designs – packed with sequins, feathers, beads and a healthy dose of showmanship – made Mackie one of Hollywood’s most recognizable costume designers.
Mackie’s work has endured for decades as younger stars have chosen to wear his archival work. Sabrina Carpenter has repeatedly dipped into the legendary costume designer’s archives for major appearances.
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One of Carpenter’s biggest Mackie moments came at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, when she walked the red carpet in a sparkling silver-and-white vintage Mackie gown originally created for Madonna’s 1991 Academy Awards performance.
She paid tribute to Mackie on Instagram, sharing some of the iconic looks she’s worn over the past few 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 acknowledged that younger performers such as Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya had developed a new appetite for his archival creations.
