American fashion critic known as “Mr. Richard,” he has ripped into the wardrobes and style of celebrities for three decades, unveiling his 30th annual Worst Dressed Women List in 1990. A former fashion designer, he made Hollywood history when he began his Worst Dressed List. His autobiography, “From Rags to Bitches,” was published in 1995.
At 15, Blackwell ran away from an abusive step-dad to Los Angeles, making his way as a street-hooker. He was a bit player in films, and then became a professional escort to both women and men. He claimed affairs with Tyrone Power, Cary Grant and Randolph Scott. When he met famed Hollywood hair stylist Robert L. Spencer in 1949, he moved in with him; they were together 59 years until Blackwell’s death in 2008. The pair moved into the world of fashion design.
During the nearly two decade existence of the “House of Blackwell”, he was designer to Yvonne DeCarlo, Jayne Mansfield, Dorothy Lamour, Jane Russell and California first lady Nancy Reagan.
In 2001, Blackwell was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which causes limited to severe paralysis of facial muscles and can affect eyesight as well. If treated in time, it is completely curable; however, if not treated it can have life lasting effects. Blackwell was unable to unveil the 2000 list at a live news conference for the first time in its 40-year history and remained out of the public eye for six months. He came back for the 2001 “Worst Dressed” and returned to a full, normal social life. Blackwell died in Los Angeles on 19 October 2008 of complications from an intestinal infection.
Link to Wikipedia biography