Bob Mackie, Costume Designer for Cher and Carol Burnett, Dies at 87

Bob Mackie, the celebrated fashion and costume designer known as the “Sultan of Sequins,” died Sept. 14, 2026, at 87, according to a statement posted to his social media accounts; his cause of death was not disclosed. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he created flamboyant designs for Cher, Carol Burnett, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli and other stars. His work included the sketch for Marilyn Monroe’s famous 1962 “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, Cher’s daring 1986 Academy Awards ensemble and more than 450 costumes for The Carol Burnett Show, including the iconic “curtain rod” gown from a Gone With the Wind parody. Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, received three Oscar nominations for films including Lady Sings the Blues, Funny Lady and Pennies From Heaven, won a Tony Award for The Cher Show and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.