Bob Mackie, the Hollywood costume designer known for dressing major entertainers including Cher, Diana Ross and Carol Burnett, has died at age 87. Multiple outlets report his death as occurring at the age of 87, with obituaries highlighting his role in shaping celebrity style on stage and screen.
Sources consistently describe Mackie as a prominent figure in flamboyant, high-impact show business costumes, sometimes referred to with nicknames such as the “Sultan of Sequins.” Several outlets cite his collaborations with stars like Cher and Diana Ross, while others include additional names such as Elton John, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand and Madonna. Reporting also notes his major awards record, including nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award and three Oscar nominations, though the emphasis varies by outlet.
While most coverage centers on his fame among performers and his signature glamour aesthetic, outlets differ slightly in which aspects they foreground—for example, focusing more on his celebrity clients versus his awards and broader industry recognition. Variety specifically points to an announcement via an Instagram statement.