Roy Horn, one-half of iconic Las Vegas act Siegfried and Roy, died last week due to complications from the Covid-19 virus. Horn and longtime partner Siegfried Fischbacher produced a popular stage show at the Mirage featuring magic and trained animals, including lions, tigers and other exotic cats.
In 2003, Horn was seriously injured in an onstage mauling by a tiger named Mantecore. The attack left him partially paralyzed and the popular duo retired.
At the time of his passing, on Friday, May 8, Horn was 75.
“Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic,” Fischbacher said, “but I have lost my best friend. From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried.”
According to CNN News, Horn and Fischbacher met on a cruise ship, then launched their dramatic act in Europe before moving to Las Vegas, where they performed for 40 years.
Other Las Vegas performers remembered Horn with gratitude. Fellow magician Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller tweeted, “S&R pioneered the idea that a magic show could be a full evening in Vegas. He was so full of life, wild and unpredictable.” Illusionist Criss Angel tweeted, “You paved the road and forever will be missed.”
And Governor Steve Sisolak wrote, “Thank you, Roy, for your years of entertainment to Nevadans and visitors.”
