Robin Mackie was a talented make-up artist who worked in Hollywood in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was also the son of Bob Mackie, the famous fashion designer who created iconic outfits for celebrities like Cher, Diana Ross, and Carol Burnett. But behind his glamorous career and family name, Robin Mackie had a troubled life that ended tragically at the age of 33. What was the cause of death of Robin Mackie, and what led him to his downfall? Here is a brief biography of Robin Mackie and his sad fate.
Early Life and Career
Robin Mackie was born on October 15, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He was the only child of Bob Mackie and his first wife, Lulu Porter, a singer, actress, and acting teacher. Robin grew up surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, as his father was a successful and renowned fashion designer who worked with many stars. Robin inherited his father’s artistic talent and passion, and he decided to pursue a career as a make-up artist.
Robin Mackie started working as a make-up artist in the early 1980s, and he soon became popular among the celebrities and the industry. He worked on several movies and TV shows, such as The Terminator, The Lost Boys, The Golden Girls, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also did make-up for his father’s clients, such as Cher, Tina Turner, and Dolly Parton. Robin Mackie was praised for his creativity, skill, and professionalism, and he seemed to have a bright future ahead of him.
Drug Addiction and HIV Diagnosis
However, Robin Mackie also had a dark side that he kept hidden from the public eye. He started using drugs at the age of 15, and he became addicted to cocaine, heroin, and other substances. He spent a lot of money on drugs, and he often neglected his work and personal responsibilities. He also engaged in risky sexual behavior, and he contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Robin Mackie’s drug addiction and HIV diagnosis took a toll on his physical and mental health, and he began to lose interest in almost everything. He became depressed, isolated, and suicidal. He also had a strained relationship with his father, who tried to help him but was frustrated by his son’s refusal to change. Robin Mackie’s mother, Lulu Porter, also suffered from his son’s condition, and she died of a heart attack in 1991.
Death and Legacy
Robin Mackie’s health deteriorated rapidly in the early 1990s, and he developed AIDS-related complications, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. He was hospitalized several times, and he received treatment and support from his father and his friends. However, his condition was irreversible, and he died on March 15, 1993, in Los Angeles. He was buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California.
Robin Mackie’s death was a shock and a loss for the make-up industry and the Hollywood community. He was remembered as a talented and kind person who had a lot of potential. His father, Bob Mackie, was devastated by his son’s death, and he dedicated his work and his life to his memory. Bob Mackie also became an advocate for AIDS awareness and prevention, and he donated money and resources to various organizations and causes related to the disease.
Robin Mackie’s cause of death was a tragic result of his drug addiction and HIV infection, which were common problems among the young and the gay people in the 1980s and 1990s. His story is a reminder of the dangers and the consequences of substance abuse and unprotected sex, and the importance of education and compassion for those who are affected by these issues. Robin Mackie was a victim of his own choices, but he was also a victim of his time and his society, which stigmatized and discriminated against people like him. He deserves to be remembered not only for his mistakes, but also for his achievements, his personality, and his legacy.
