Publicity Listings They are the work of Bob Mackie, and Mackie, played by Michael Berresse, is a character in the show. He was the costume designer for all the performers on The Carol Burnett Show during its entire eleven-year run. This page was last edited on 10 May 2022, at 10:00. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I recently spent a Sunday afternoon at the Neil Simon Theatre, watching the Broadway musical, The Cher Show. It was a sumptuous train wreck. The fashion world has not always been kind to Mackie. He is survived by his lifetime partner of costume designer Bob Mackie for nearly 50 years.. Mackies big break in television coincided with his big break in love: He was hired at age 23 to assist the costume designer Ray Aghayan on The Judy Garland Show. Garland was, to put it mildly, unpredictable, and she could be impossible with the other talent. I found on Findagrave.com. Send Flowers. Robert Gordon Mackie never had a Plan B. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Gordon Victor Mackie. In fact, Robert even saw him perform when he was a child. Although his parents supported whatever path he wanted to take, he did not get to spend a lot of time with his parents as he spent most of his childhood days with his maternal grandparents who lived in Alhambra, California. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Father: Robert Gordon Bob Mackie, American Fashion Designer. Mackie was born March 24, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, to Charles Robert Mackie and Mildred Agnes (ne Smith) Mackie. Only the Trusted List can access the following: Leave a message for others who see this profile. Among the works that will be remembered are those made for the television program The Carol Burnett Show (1967 1978) and films Funny Lady (1975) and Staying Alive (1983). Star Trek actor Robert Walker Jr. has died. If you want to know what Mackie designed over the years in movies and television, ask yourself what looks from those decades have made you gasp. Great Falls Tribune (MT), 15 March 1908 Death of Robert Mackie Word was received yesterday of the death of Robert Mackie at Baker City, Ore. Mr. Mackie was a formerly well known resident of this county, living for a time at Sand Coulee and for a longer period at Barker. Your email address will not be published. It was recently announced that rockabilly singer Robert Gordon sadly passed away at the age of 75. To add more, the designer is also known for creating concert clothing and evening gowns during award ceremonies for Whitney Houston. Please try again later. Other than that Bob does not talk much about his relationship with his siblings or has he confirmed whether he had siblings whom he grew up with. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. "I was one of. Mackie designed costumes for the Las Vegas Strip-based burlesque shows, Hallelujah Hollywood, which was inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies and ran at the MGM Grand (now Bally's Las Vegas) from 1974 to 1980, and Jubilee!, which ran from 1981 to 2016. The Special Years, Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program, Cher: Live in Concert from Las Vegas (1999), Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Costume Design for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design for Music-Variety, Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design, Individual Achievements in Art Direction and Allied Crafts - Costume Design, Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries or a Special, Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Miniseries or a Special, Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Events, Outstanding Costume Design for a Limited Series or a Special, Ann-Margret: Hollywood Movie Girls (1980), Outstanding Individual Achievement in the Visual Arts, Danny Thomas' The Wonderful World of Burlesque: Second Edition (1965). Learn more about merges. She is very good-looking, of course, but she tends to overdress for the occasion. (A favorite FLOTUS? However after a while of not being in any intimate relationship, Bob has had one more life partner by the name Ray Aghayan who happens to be a costume designer who he worked with until her demise in 2011. Robert Gordon had cancer. A lot to do.. Mackie has received 1 honorary award. More Today Than Yesterday: The Greatest Hits Tour, "Showgirls" collection from UNLV Libraries Digital Collections, Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, "Bob Mackie Is Selling a Share of His Excess", "THEATER; Beads. Mind takes form in the city; and in turn, urban forms condition mind.Lewis Mumford (18951990), A life spent in making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.George Bernard Shaw (18561950). Mitzi was the first star client for whom Mackie designed an entire show. This was happening since his parents at some point had a rocky relationship which had them separating and thats when he had to move in with his grandparents who played a large role in bringing Bob up. What was the cause of the death of Robert Gordon? Debuted his second line of furniture. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. I announced to my family that I was going to be a costume designer and everybody fell over. "I listened to music incessantly growing up. big spring high school prom. Try again. The two worked together through the 1970s, as well as having separate clients. No Mackie for you. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Robin Mackie, a makeup artist, died in 1994 of an AIDS-related illness, predeceasing his parents. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. Can you imagine how much that would hurt? he said. In 1966, Mackie was hired by Mitzi Gaynor to design her new stage show at the Riviera in Las Vegas. [citation needed], In 1961, while he was working at Paramount Studios, costumer Edith Head found Mackie. Mackie attended Pasadena City College, followed by taking drawing and illustration classes at the Chouinard Art Institute, which was located in Los Angeles. I was supposed to sketch the menswear, and suddenly I, whod spent all my life drawing evening gowns, was drawing pinstripe suits on Charles Boyer and jeans jackets on Glenn Ford. Thompson got busy, though, and soon Mackie was sketching for Lange, as God intended. Bob Mackie's illustration style had a theatrical line drawing flair and a colorful descriptive sense. The former lead singer of the Tuff Darts was known for introducing rockabilly to the infamous New York punk scene in the 1970s. Other than that he has been nominated three times. [1998]. Is he Who is YouTuber AlbertsStuff? They remained together until Aghayan's death. Throughout the 60s and 70s, the work never let up. He would continue to design for Mitzi's television specials and live stage shows for the next 50 years. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. She had given birth to the couple's only child, a son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr. (aka Robin Mackie), the previous year. Mother: Lulu Porter, Singer, Actress, Acting Teacher; also known as Mariane Wolford. He shared the honor, for Alice Through the Looking Glass, with Mackie, his assistant at the time. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, Damon Charles: 1st List of Gay/Lesbian/Bi Industry People, Both in Front and Behind the Camera. He is famous for being a Fashion Designer. Robert Gordon Mackie, famously recognized as Bob Mackie is an American costume and fashion designer who does his job at his level best. Due to the good work that he does, Bob was lucky enough to get the Academy Awards which are awarded annually by the Academy motion picture Arts and sciences. He is survived by his lifetime partner of costume designer Bob Mackie for nearly 50 years.. Mackie was born in Monterey Park, California, to Charles Robert Smith and Mildred Agnes Smith. Post Author: Post published: 21st May 2022 Post Category: funny alcohol acronyms Post Comments: best mississippi state basketball players of all time best mississippi state basketball players of all time ", "The Looney Tunes Show s02e09 Episode Script", "- Is that a Bob Mackie gown? This year, on tour at age 73, she is all Mackie, all the time. They remained together until Aghayan's death. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Robert Mackie. Bob Mackie's first major television series as costume designer was the fourth (1966-1967) season of ABC TV's Saturday Night "The Hollywood Palace", produced by Nick Vanoff and Bill Harbach, with Production designer Jim Trittipo. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 2008 - 2023 INTERESTING.COM, INC. Here's what we know about his cause of death. He is best recognized for designing very high end people such as Tina Turner a famous and popular musician, Carol Burnett, Cher and many others. She knew who she was.), Mackie would also like to have a word with the president about those ties. More than a moment really: a belated appreciation of his place in fashion history. He has been their costume designer for all of them not forgetting the Carol Brunette Show entirely in the eleven-year, to add on, the Mamas family and Gypsy. If anyone is responsible for blurring the lines between fashion and theater, it is Mackie. All helped towards his rising net worth. Robin worked as a make-up artist. It was confirmed she actually knew Paul Truchiero and Robert Mackie -- she had done odd jobs for Mackie's tree-trimming company before. At a talk in New York earlier this year, Mackie called it one of the worst experiences Ive ever had. But Mackie didnt aim to be a member of that club anyway. 3. in France. [1] His family was Jewish. "We liked working with Robert and will miss his powerful baritone vocal as well as his focused dedication to his music.". Aghayan died at his home in Los Angeles, California. [2003], Debuting his third line of furniture, "The Bob Mackie Home Signature Collection". Learn more about managing a memorial . He has won nine Emmy Awards and received three nominations for an Oscar for the Best Costume Design (1973, 1976 and 1982). The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. (Their union produced a son, Robin Mackie, a makeup artist who died of complications from drugs and AIDS at age 33.) She had given birth to the couple's only child, a son, Robert Gordon Mackie Jr. (called "Robin Mackie"), the previous year. Fashion is the major source of Mackies wealth. He won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design for Music-Variety for Mitzi's TV specials "MitziRoarin' in the Twenties" (1976) and "MitziZings Into Spring" (1977). Known as Skip to his friends and family, he appeared in several films and TV shows including Gunsmoke (1958), Say One For Me (1959), A Private's Affair (1959), College Confidential (1960), The. I think he thinks they make him look taller or thinner. Robert Mackie was buried at Courcelles-au-bois Communal Cemetery Extension A. Son of Bob Mackie. The images of his costumes and gowns for these women have become a part of the landscape of fashion from the 60s, 70s, and 80s and in my case become part of my hard-drive of references., His famous quote that his clothes are for the woman who is not afraid to be noticed, Ford added, is one of my mantras., Yes, the Met Gala red carpet would exist without Mackie. [35], The Tony Awards are presented annually by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. As he escorted me out the door, he hesitated a bit over the face-down sketches. [10] Aghayan would later become Mackie's long term life partner. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. The couple divorced in 1963, and Robin Mackie, a makeup artist, died in 1994 of an AIDS-related illness. This browser does not support getting your location. The couple tied the knot on the 14thof March in 1960 they however did not last in their marriage as they got to be together for only three years the divorced. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. If a man wins in 2020, Mackie hopes he wont have a tie that hangs to his crotch., And if a woman wins? Iran native Aghayan moved to Los Angeles when he was in high school, ultimately turning to fashion design after dabbling in many areas of theater. It also stated incorrectly that Mackie designed costumes for the film Liza with a Z., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, The body is a bundle of chaos. ). Ask Mackie about fashion today, and his face squinches a little. [16] "As you can see," said Cher, "I did receive my Academy booklet on how to dress like a serious actress. Otherwise, Id just hole up indoors all day and draw., On weekends his mother would visit and take him to the movies. So she put a motorcycle jacket over it, Mackie said, grinning. This piece originally stated that Mackie designed the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing Happy Birthday, Mr. President. In fact, Mackie sketched it for the designer Jean Louis. It also stated incorrectly that Mackie designed costumes for the film Liza with a Z., Bob Mackie, photographed at his Los Angeles studio, received a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America this week. Mackie has received 3 nominations. Robert Gordon, Rockabilly-Revivalist Singer, Dies at 75, Cause of Death Revealed. With its strategically placed beads and sequins, the dress is a miracle of slutty peekaboo, and the television censor balks. The only personal item was his ever-present artist board, with sketches carefully placed face down to foil nosy reporters. Mackie has received 1 honorary award and 9 competitive awards from 32 nominations. (1997), The Simpsons: Burns' Heir, Funny Lady (1975), Staying Alive (1983), The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978), Hallelujah Hollywood, Jubilee! On staff with the NBC costume shop, he illustrated costume designs for the costume designers working on the studio's Network productions. Bob Mackies work has influenced fashion in a dramatic way, in that many of the body fitting, seemingly transparent and heavily beaded gowns that are worn on red carpets today are derivative of his work for stars like Diana Ross and Cher. Music career [ edit] Influences and early career [ edit] Gordon grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, United States, the son of Arlene and Samuel Gordon, an administrative law judge. He was previously married to Lulu Porter. "When I was a little kid, I saw him at this amusement park in Maryland called the Glen Echo Amusement Park, so that was a thrill for me," he shared. Maybe you know about Bob Mackie very well But do you know how old and tall is he and what is his net worth in 2023? Offers may be subject to change without notice. On March 14, 1960, he married LuLu Porter (ne Marianne Wolford), a singer, actress, and later an acting teacher. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Sports. I cant imagine performing in one dress every night. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Costumes for a Series/Individual Achievements In Art Direction And Allied Crafts, TV Land Legend Award (2005), Costume Designers Guild RIT Color Career Achievement in Television Award (1999), Oscar for the Best Costume Design (1973, 1976, 1982), Television Hall of Fame (2002), The Love Boat (1981), Blue Suede Shoes: Ballet Rocks! He also designed Cher's stunt outfit at the 1986 Academy Awards - stretch pants, a jewel-encrusted lioncloth, a chainlink top, topped off by an Indian headdress. He attended Pasadena City College and Chouinard Art Institute but left without earning a degree from either school. So were many of the gowns worn by Diana Ross and the Supremes and the looks worn by Joan Rivers, Barbra Streisand and Elton John. Its only Bobs genius that makes it possible. A good vertical is always a good thing I guess. This cool kids outdoors club will introduce you to L.A.s best asset, L.A. Affairs: I went on several first dates. He is a costume designer and actor, known for The Carol Burnett Show (1967), Rocketman (2019) and The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (1971). [10] Mackie and Diana Ross continued their collaborative efforts well into the 21st century, with Mackie designing stage costumes for Ross' 2010 More Today Than Yesterday: The Greatest Hits Tour. Venues like CBGB and Max's Kansas City were popular haunts for bands like The Ramones or Patti Smith, but someone like Robert Gordon rarely darkened their stages. He is a costume designer and actor, known for The Carol Burnett Show (1967), Rocketman (2019) and The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour (1971). "That was a good period for me, the late '70s up to the mid '80s," Robert said. "I actually answered an ad for a singer," he shared. Show your support. Other Works Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. Approximately from July 2022, Robert . In addition to a forthcoming documentary about his career and the costume blitz that is The Cher Show, for which Mackie is nominated (and favored to win) for best costume design of a musical at the 73rd Tony Awards this week, the Metropolitan Museum is displaying one of his nude illusion gowns in its exhibition, Camp: Notes on Fashion. (Id hear people say, Oh, thats so campy, darling, and I never quite understood what they meant, Mackie said. Mackie's first major television series as costume designer was the fourth (1966-67) season of. Send flowers or a gift to a service or family's home. Mackie is having a moment. [May 2008], Debuted his second line of furniture. Mackie's life partner was costume designer Ray Aghayan, whom Mackie had started working with as an assistant. Bob Mackie was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2002. Aghayan received three Oscar nominations over the course of his career, first for 1969's Gaily Gaily, then in partnership with Mackie on Lady Sings the Blues (1972) and Funny Girl (1975). It was tracked to a woman named Lorraine Hatzakorzian from Long Island, New York. The two worked together through the 1970s, as well as having separate clients. My grandmother used to lock me out on the porch so I could get some fresh air. Just another site robert gordon mackie jr cause of death In a September 2021 interview with John Broughton, Robert talked about how he came to love music. The TV Land Award generally commemorates shows now off the air, rather than in current production. They remained together until Aghayan's death in 2011.[10]. In addition to designing costumes for films and television, Mackie is well known for dressing the burlesque shows in Las Vegas hotels, like the MGM Grand and Jubilee! But it is also a conscious work of art, and it holds within its communal framework many simpler and more personal forms of art. After attending art school, he got work in Hollywood assisting the great costume designers of the time: Jean Louis, Edith Head, Frank Thompson. News. From that information, bob has accumulated a good fortune through the various sources of income and it is therefore safe to say that he his living a modest life. Being born on 24 March 1939, Bob Mackie is 83 years old as of todays date 1st March 2023. There is a problem with your email/password. cause of a documentation is- erations forces and Marines, sue, according to the Federal has fluctuated by a handful in Copyright 2023 Distractify. Please reset your password. Feathers. "I had no introduction to anybody in the music scene in New York.". Resend Activation Email. What was that? [9] He left Chouinard early because he got his first job sketching for Frank Thompson at Paramount Studios. But it looks so silly to me, he said. as Mariane Wolford. By the time they were getting divorced the couple had been blessed by one son whose name is Robert Gordon Mackie Jr but unfortunately their son died in 1993. He has been active in the fashion industry since the early 1960s. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); You have entered an incorrect email address! Mackie was hired by Angie Jones, NBC Burbank Television's Wardrobe Supervisor, as a costume design illustrator in the early 1960s. He is therefore recognized as the son of Mildred Agnes Mackie who is the mother and Robert Mackie who is the father and was recognized to be working at the Bank of America. The beloved drama series confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "We are saddened to report the passing of Robert Walker Jr., the. The former lead singer of the Tuff Darts was known for introducing rockabilly to the infamous New York punk scene in the 1970s. If you prefer to keep it private, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V2BX-BQX, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPSZ-NYC, https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VMMQ-JMJ, "California Birth Index, 1905-1995," database, FamilySearch (, "California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, FamilySearch (, "United States Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. They mostly performed covers at school dances and teen clubs, but it was enough to get him to his next band: The Newports. Robert took a break from music but triumphantly returned in the mid-1970s in time to hit the punk scene in New York City. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. No cause of death was cited, although his family recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Unfortunately, that was the last album from Robert Gordon, whose life and art will continue to rockabilly on. The cause of Davidson's death was drowning. Their art was designed to make you feel discomfort, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Has wildflower shaming gone too far? Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. [3][4] His father worked at Bank of America. The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)as Costume Designer, Pennies from Heaven (1981)as Costume Designer, Your email address will not be published. At the end of the 1960s, Bob designed costumes for the television program GIT: On Broadway, specifically for the singing bands The Temptations, The Supremes and the singer Diana Ross. Robert Gordon Mackie was born on the 24th March 1940, in Monterey Park, California USA, and is a fashion designer, known for having dressed many icons such as Carol Burnett, Cher, Judy Garland, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Liza Minnelli, Mitzi Gaynor, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers and many others. But would Lady Gaga have felt compelled to do a four-layer striptease on the red carpet? On closer inspection, it was Cher wearing, well, something gasp-worthy. Your eyes can bleed just looking. On the red carpet, he sees a creeping blandness. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. In 1969, Mackie was hired to design costumes for Diana Ross, The Supremes, and The Temptations in the television special GIT: On Broadway. The couple divorced in 1963. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. [1998], Debuting his third line of furniture, "The Bob Mackie Home Signature Collection". All structured data from the main, Property, Lexeme, and EntitySchema namespaces is available under the. Diane von Furstenberg put it succinctly: He is the quintessential showbiz designer who knows how to create dresses that make an entrance.. However all that is still under review. I announced to my family that I was going to be a costume designer and everybody fell over. Hatzakorzian, 41, was described as an independent, hard-working woman and single mom. "A voice like his, coupled with the authenticity he brings to the music, is unforgettable, and doesnt come around very often.". [3] He attended Rosemead High School. On staff with the NBC costume shop, Bob illustrated costume designs for the costume designers working on the studio's Network productions. - [Bash] Uh, yeah", "Taking Cues from Marnie's No-Makeup Makeup on Girls Last Night", "Emmy Awards, Nominations, and Wins: Bob Mackie", The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design, Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_Mackie&oldid=1140115239, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2017, Internet Off-Broadway Database person ID same as Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Disaronno Career Achievement in Television Award, Individual Achievements in Art Direction and Allied Crafts - Costume Design, Outstanding Individual Achievement in the Visual Arts, Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design, Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design for Music - Variety, Outstanding Costume Design for a Limited Series or Special, Outstanding Costume Design for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Achievement for Costuming in a Series, Outstanding Achievement for Costuming in a Miniseries, Outstanding Individual Achievement - Special Events, Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries or Special, Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special, In "Ode to Barbra Joan," Episode 20 of Season 1 of, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 14:31. He was often referred to as "the sultan of sequins" or "the rajah of rhinestones", known for his sparkling and imaginative costume designs. His first movie was at Paramount, working for Thompson: 1963s Love Is a Ball, with Glenn Ford, Charles Boyer and Hope Lange. Flash", "BOB MACKIE AND THE AESTHETIC OF THE FABULOUS", "In Praise of Alma Mater: Proud of their art school's legacy and impact, Chouinard alumni will celebrate the institution with reunion events", "Ray Aghayan, Costume Designer, Dies at 83", "The secrets of Marilyn Monroe's dress that Kim Kardashian wore to Met Gala 2022", "The Modern Ziegfeld: Hallelujah Hollywood! It has made memories for us all," it said. 2 was another story, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre, Then I realized it was David Bowie: How a Laurel Canyon store honors rock legends, 4-day workweek trial, billed as worlds largest, finds same revenue and happier employees, How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Rachel Bloom. Oops, we were unable to send the email. He left an incredible mark in music. He was 79. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. robert gordon mackie jr cause of death. He was also the costume designer for the biographical drama film Lady Sings the Blues (1972) directed by Sidney J. Furie, for which Mackie was nominated for an Oscar in the category of the Best Costume Design. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. The Music. Mackie 0 references date of birth 15 October 1959 1 reference date of death 15 March 1993 1 reference manner of death natural causes 1 reference cause of death death from AIDS-related complications 3 references father Bob Mackie 2 references mother Lulu Porter 1 reference occupation make-up artist 1 reference medical condition HIV/AIDS 0 references Make sure that the file is a photo. Father: Robert Gordon Bob Mackie, American Fashion Designer. In the wake of his passing, Berry shared a few kind words about his brother's . Robin was born in 1959. Our first lady may have been a model, but I dont find her a chic woman, he said. As catchy as Chers musical hooks are, the audience leaves the theater humming about the costumes. It was pretty bad actually, but it was filmed in the South of France, so it looked good, Mackie said. He was raised in early childhood by his maternal grandparents in Alhambra, California because his parents divorced.