Costume designer to the likes of Sir Elton John, Cher, and Diana Ross, Bob Mackie, died last month at the age of 87, and it has now been disclosed that he suffered a fatal fall
Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie’s cause of death has been confirmed. Last month, it was announced that Mackie, who was the “genius” behind costumes for the likes of Sir Elton John, Sabrina Carpenter, Cher and Diana Ross, had died at the age of 87.
The late star, who collected nine Emmy Awards over the course of his career, died last month while staying at the home of his long-term design director.
New details have confirmed that Mackie’s immediate cause of death was listed on his death certificate as a subarachnoid haemorrhage and blunt head trauma, following a fall on October 9.
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US Weekly reports that he died at Desert Regional Medical Centre in Palm Springs, days later, with his official cause of death listed as pneumonia. In a statement, a representative told the publication: “For clarification, Mr. Mackie was staying in the guest house at the home of his longtime Design Director, Joe McFate.
“A healthcare professional was with him when he fell. He was also suffering from pneumonia both before and after his hospitalisation.” His death certificate also states that he was cremated on September 17, with his remains later being scattered at sea, just off the coast of San Diego County, California.
Confirming the news of his death, a statement on Bob’s official Instagram page read: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today. 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.” Bob, who was given the nicknames “Sultan Of Sequins,” “Rajah Of Rhinestones” and “Guru Of Glitter” for his imaginative designs, also dressed stars such as Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, and Tina Turner.
Sir Elton John also took to social media, sharing a snap of himself alongside Mackie, who was taking his measurements. He wrote: “So sad to hear of @bobmackie’s passing. Every time I put something on that Bob made, I felt very, very special. His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood.
“Bob had extraordinary vision and the workmanship was unreal. I don’t think I ever wore a Bob Mackie outfit and had anything fall off – not a sequin or a rhinestone or anything. His clothes were made so beautifully. He loved glamour like I love glamour, but more than anything, we shared the same sense of humour and had so much fun together.
“In a sea of ego, he seemed to have none. One of the most courteous, incredible people I ever had the pleasure of working with. Thank you, Bob.”
Sabrina Carpenter said: “Terribly devastated, 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. Mackie girl forever.”
Diana Ross also took to social media, sharing a picture of herself alongside Mackie, wearing a dress he had designed. She said: “So so sorry to hear this news.” Cher said on X, formerly known as Twitter : “My dear Bob has gone up to heaven. Knowing him, he’s bringing sequins, beads and his sketch pad. Good nite sweet Prince [sic].”
With Cher, he created designs for The Sonny And Cher show, and dressed her in black stretch pants, a bejewelled loincloth, knee-high boots, a black chain-link top, and a huge feathered mohawk headdress that was one and a half times taller than her head for the 1986 Oscars.
He also designed outfits for a number of Cher tours, The Cher Show in 2019, and for her Las Vegas residency from 2008 to 2011. In the late 1980s, Mackie was approached by Mattel to design clothes for Barbie dolls, and his first limited-edition doll, with a gold outfit featuring a sequined skirt, feather boa, and long ponytail, was released in 1990.
He was also the costume designer for The Carol Burnett Show during its entire 11-year run from 1967 to 1978.
A representative for Mackie declined to comment.
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