Jean-Pierre Dorléac, an Oscar-nominated costume designer whose career spanned decades and hundreds of film, television, and music video productions, died on July 23 at the age of 83. He passed away from natural causes, according to reports.
Dorléac, who was born in Toulon, France, in 1943, became a notable figure in Hollywood for his distinctive costume designs. His work on the 1981 film "Somewhere in Time" earned him an Academy Award nomination. His other significant credits include the original "Battlestar Galactica" series, Brooke Shields' "The Blue Lagoon," and the science fiction hit "Quantum Leap."
His career began to gain momentum after he designed costumes for the 1973 Los Angeles stage production of "Marat/Sade," for which he received a Drama Critics Circle Award. He later worked under the mentorship of the legendary costume designer Edith Head, an eight-time Oscar winner.
In recent years, Dorléac also gained attention for sharing candid anecdotes and gossip about numerous Hollywood celebrities with the Daily Mail. He offered critiques of stars such as Christopher Plummer, whom he described as one of the "vilest" celebrities he encountered, and also commented on figures including Audrey Hepburn, Raquel Welch, and Aretha Franklin. Dorléac also discussed alleged details about the private lives of Grace Kelly and Shelley Winters.
Conversely, Dorléac also praised many of his contemporaries, including Fred Astaire, Bette Davis, and Elizabeth Taylor, though he also noted Taylor's alleged frugality. He expressed admiration for Blake Lively's fashion choices at the 2026 Met Gala.
Dorléac authored a memoir, "The Naked Truth," filled with his observations on Hollywood. At the time of his death, he was reportedly seeking a publisher for his latest book, "Evocative Observations."
He explained his willingness to share personal insights by stating, "Just because somebody is good looking does not mean they're talented. It does not mean they're kind. It doesn't mean they're wonderful. It doesn't mean it's somebody you want to have coffee with."
Dorléac is survived by his partner of 41 years, Gilberto Mello.