New details surrounding Bob Mackie’s death have emerged less than a month after the legendary designer died at age 87.
The late designer’s death certificate, obtained by Us Weekly, states that he died from “blunt head trauma and a subarachnoid hemorrhage” after falling at a home in Palm Springs.
Mackie’s cause of death had previously been reported as pneumonia by a representative who spoke with several news outlets.
According to the death certificate, Mackie fell and suffered an injury at the residence of design director Joseph McFate several days before his death on September 14.
The fall resulted in a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which the Cleveland Clinic describes as bleeding between the brain and the thin layers of tissue that surround and protect it.
Our News Outlet has contacted a representative for Mackie for comment.
Fresh details about Bob Mackie’s death have emerged less than one month after he died at age 87; pictured in October 2017
Bob Mackie’s death certificate, obtained by Us Weekly, lists blunt head trauma and a subarachnoid hemorrhage after a fall at a Palm Springs home; pictured in June 2019
After the death certificate became public, a representative for Mackie clarified to Us Weekly, “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.”
The spokesperson also said, “He was also suffering from pneumonia both before and after his hospitalization.”
The celebrated fashion and costume designer was cremated on September 17. His remains were scattered at sea off the San Diego coast, according to the death certificate.
Mackie’s team announced his death in a statement shared on Instagram.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today,” the statement began.
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“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.”
Mackie also worked on the famous sketch for Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress in 1962. The gown was designed by Jean Louis, who asked Mackie to create the initial sketch after Monroe requested a skin-tight, “naked” look for the gala.
Mackie’s team announced his death in a 2018 Instagram statement, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today”
Mackie was best known for designing extravagant showgirl costumes for iconic singer Cher, earning him the nickname “Sultan of Sequins”; Cher pictured at the 1986 Oscars
Bob Mackie and Cher pictured together in May 2024
Above all, Mackie was renowned for the extravagant showgirl costumes he created for Cher. His dazzling designs earned him the enduring nickname “Sultan of Sequins.”
The Los Angeles native also worked with Carol Burnett, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Ann-Margret and Bette Midler.
And he designed gowns for Madonna, Sharon Stone and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as well as concert costumes for Pink.
Mackie was a 32-time Emmy nominee as well as a three-time Oscar nominee for his work on the movies Lady Sings the Blues, Funny Lady and Pennies From Heaven.
He also designed costumes for numerous theatrical productions.
His repertoire included work for Lorelei starring Carol Channing, On the Town with Bernadette Peters, and Platinum starring Alexis Smith.
The designer added his magical touch on Moon Over Buffalo and Putting It Together with Burnett.
He also said he loved collaborating with Liza Minnelli on Minnelli Starring Liza.
His archival pieces are worn today by the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy, Miley Cyrus and Zendaya, the latter who wore a Mackie gown to honor Cher at her 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
