Roy Horn, of world-known magic act Siegfried and Roy, died from coronavirus-related complications on Friday, May 8. The animal trainer who performed in Las Vegas for years with Siegfried Fischbacher, had tested positive for the disease last month. He was 75.
“Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,” said Siegfried in a statement. “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 who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy’s life.”
Roy began spending time with exotic animals when he was only 10 years old and was given access to the Bremen Zoo by a family friend. He met Siegfried, while onboard a cruise ship, and soon after began a nightclub act in which they snuck a tiger into. After being discovered by Tony Azzie in 1967, they began their infamous Las Vegas career run.
From 1990 to 2003, Siegfried & Roy performed at the Mirage Resort and Casino, the most-visited show on the Las Vegas strip. In October 2003, Roy was part of an on-stage accident when a 7-year-old, 380-pound white tiger named Mantecore bit his neck and dragged him off stage. The mauling left Horn partially paralyzed and barely able to speak.
