Ret Turner, a major television costume influence in the 1970s and 80s, died from undisclosed causes last Wednesday at his home in West Hollywood. Turner was 87.
The oldest working member of the Costume Designers Guild, Turner achieved his start in Hollywood in the NBC wardrobe department after heading to Hollywood to become an actor. He ended up running the department. He rose to fame in the 70s alongside Bob Mackie and Ray Aghayan and designed for some of the highest profile variety series of the era. The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. The Donny and Marie Show. Mama’s Family. Carol & Company. Turner had a hand in all of them.
Ret Turner received 23 Emmy nominations in his storied career. He won five of them for Carol & Company, Las Vegas-An All Star 75th Anniversary Special, Diana Ross… Red Hot Rhythm and Blues, Mama’s Family, and Mitzi… Zings into Spring.
