Legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie, known for the spectacular costumes he created for Cher, Carol Burnett, and dozens of stars, suffered a fall that caused a head injury just days before he died on September 14 at a Palm Springs hospital. This was revealed in a new exclusive report by the American magazine US Weekly, which gained access to the designer's death certificate.
According to the document cited by the outlet, Mackie's immediate cause of death is listed as a subarachnoid hemorrhage and blunt force head trauma. The certificate also indicates that the designer suffered from pneumonia both before and after the fall.
What the death certificate says about Bob Mackie’s fall
According to the certificate obtained by US Weekly, the 87-year-old Mackie suffered a fall and was injured on September 11 at the home of his trusted design director, Joseph McFate. The designer had been staying in the guest house on McFate's property for some time, and a healthcare professional was with him at the time of the incident.
Mackie died three days later, on September 14, at the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. At that time, the official cause of his death was recorded as pneumonia. The US Weekly report does not clarify how both pieces of information on the certificate—the head trauma on one hand and pneumonia as the official cause on the other—are reconciled, so the exact circumstances surrounding his passing have not been fully clarified publicly.
Cremation and final farewell
Following his death, Mackie's remains were cremated on September 17. Subsequently, his ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of San Diego County, California.
The announcement of Bob Mackie’s death
Mackie's passing was announced by his team on the same day of his death via a statement. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr. Bob Mackie passed away today," the text noted. "He lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a fashion and costume designer, which was the only thing he ever wanted to do. His genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty to this world."
Bob Mackie’s legacy in fashion and television
A Tony Award winner and multiple-time Emmy winner, Mackie is best remembered for the iconic stage costumes he designed for Cher over the decades. He also created numerous costumes for The Carol Burnett Show, including the unforgettable dress made from a curtain and a curtain rod, a parody known as Went With The Wind.
Throughout his career, Mackie also dressed figures such as Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters, and Debbie Reynolds, establishing himself as one of the most important references in costume design for American television and stage.
Frequently asked questions about the death of Bob Mackie
When did Bob Mackie die?
Bob Mackie died on September 14, 2026, at the Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs at the age of 87.
What was the official cause of Bob Mackie’s death?
According to the death certificate cited by US Weekly, the official cause recorded was pneumonia, although the document also mentions a subarachnoid hemorrhage and head trauma related to a previous fall.
Where and when did Bob Mackie suffer the fall mentioned in the report?
According to the death certificate, Mackie suffered the fall on September 11, 2026, at the home of his design director, Joseph McFate, where he was staying in the guest house.
What happened to Bob Mackie’s remains?
Mackie's remains were cremated on September 17, 2026, and his ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of San Diego County, California.
Why is Bob Mackie known in the world of fashion and television?
Bob Mackie is famous for designing Cher's stage costumes and numerous outfits for The Carol Burnett Show, including the famous curtain-inspired dress known as Went With The Wind, in addition to creating attire for stars such as Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters, and Debbie Reynolds.
