Roy Horn of ‘Siegfried and Roy’ fame dies from coronavirus
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Magician Roy Horn of the famed Vegas act Siegfried & Roy has died of complications from the coronavirus. Horn was 75.
Horn died Friday in a Las Vegas hospital. He was critically injured in 2003 by one of the act’s white tigers, but survived only to have his life now claimed by the virus.
“Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,” said Siegfried Fischbacher in a statement to ABC News. “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.”
“Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days. I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital [in Las Vegas] who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy’s life,” the statement added.
Siegfried & Roy were an institution in Las Vegas, where their magic and artistry consistently attracted sellout crowds. The pair performed six shows a week, 44 weeks per year.
Horn was attacked by a tiger during the duo’s act at the Mirage hotel-casino. He had severe neck injuries and later had a stroke. The attack ended the long-running production.
They returned to the stage in February 2009 for what was billed as their one and only comeback performance, to raise funds for a new rehabilitation center.
Earlier this month, the duo shared the following message of love and support for those affected by Covid-19:
“Everyone in the United States and around the world impacted by this health crisis remain in our prayers. We know the real magic in all of us caring, cheering, loving and thanking one another will return everyone to good health and happiness. We can’t wait until it is possible for all of us to hug each other safely again. Love to all, Siegfried & Roy.”
They had been working on a biopic with German filmmakers Nico Hofmann and Bully Herbig, the latter of whom is the writer/director of the project. The biopic was expanded into a multi-part docuseries for television to be released in 2021.
Funeral services for Horn will be private with plans for a public memorial in the future, according to the statement.
