Episode notes
(Photo: Maximum Fun / Daniel Speer)
Bob Mackie died on September 14, 2026. He was 87.
Known as the “Sultan of Sequins” or the “Baron of Beads,” the legendary designer made a career out of dressing big personalities in kinetic, sparkling garb. Performers like Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Elton John, Lucile Ball, Carol Burnett, and Barbie – literally, the Barbie doll – have all been complimented by an iconic Bob Mackie outfit.
Maybe you watch Ru Paul’s Drag Race? He was the very first guest judge on the show, and the first person to receive the Drag Race “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award.”
When he joined us last year, his life and career had been profiled in the documentary, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion. The film covers the era-defining design work he did and the extraordinary life he lived.
Mackie joined us to talk about his early affinity for performance outfits, marrying costumes and comedy, and getting started in the business working with old Hollywood legends.
A version of this interview originally aired in May of 2025.
In this episode...
Guests
- Bob Mackie
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Bullseye is a celebration of the best of arts and culture in public radio form. Host Jesse Thorn sifts the wheat from the chaff to bring you in-depth interviews with the most revered and revolutionary minds in our culture.
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