Rest in Peace Bob Mackie. Mackie was born March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, to Charles Robert Mackie and Mildred Agnes (née Smith) Mackie. His father worked at Bank of America. He has an older sister. He was best known for his dressing of numerous entertainment personalities for television, movies, concerts, and live stage shows.
Mackie was the costume designer for all of the performers on The Carol Burnett Show during its entire eleven-year run, and the creator of memorable ensembles for Cher and Elton John. He is referred to alternatively as the "Sultan of Sequins", the "Rajah of Rhinestones" or the "Guru of Glitter" for his sparkling and imaginative designs.
Mackie once said, "A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed." Mattel partnered with him to produce outfits for collectable Barbie dolls, and he introduced cultural diversity to their features and outfits to reflect the heritage of real-life women.
Over his lifetime, Mackie received nine Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and three nominations for the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work. He was nominated for the Oscar for costumes in Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Funny Lady (1975 and Pennies From Heaven (1981) and Emmys for The Carol Burnett Show, Mama's Family, The Sonny and Cher Show, Cher, Mrs. Santa Claus, Gypsy, Fresno and many others, Mackie received one honorary award and 9 competitive awards from 32 nominations
In April 2023, Mackie was accepted the inaugural Giving Us Life-time Achievement Award by RuPaul at the RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 finale Some of his other famous clients included Dolly Parton, Raquel Welch, Ann-Margeret, Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Farrah Fawcett, Doris Day and Oprah Winfrey among others. On March 14, 1960, Mackie married LuLu Porter (née Marianne Wolford), a singer and actress, and later an acting teacher. The couple divorced in 1963. They had a son, Robert Gordon Mackie, Jr. (known as "Robin"). Robin, a makeup artist, died in 1993 at the age of 33 of an AIDS-related illness due to drug use, predeceasing his parents.
As featured in the 2024 documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion, Bob and Lulu had remained very close throughout the years and later discovered that they share a granddaughter (through their son) with whom they enjoy a close relationship. They also have two great grandchildren.
Beginning in 1963, Mackie's significant other was costume designer Ray Aghayan, whom Mackie worked with as an assistant. The two worked together through the 1970s, as well as having separate clients. They remained together until Aghayan's death in 2011. Mackie created all of the costumes, including evening gowns, character outfits and dance clothing for guests during the run of The Carol Burnett Show, including the famous curtain dress from the "Went with the Wind!" sketch (spoofing Gone With the Wind) which was donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
he announcement of Mackie's death says he died of natural causes at 87 years old.
