LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Legendary magician and Las Vegas icon Roy Horn passed away on Friday from complications of COVID-19. He was 75.
An outpouring of support has been shown on social media and around the valley since the news came in of the famed entertainer's passing.
Roy Horn, of Siegfried & Roy, passes away of complications from COVID-19
Wayne Newton, fellow Las Vegas legend, released the following statement on his social media:
I send my condolences to Sigfried, Bernie and all of Roy’s family. Having known Roy from the time he and Sigfried first came to Las Vegas, words cannot express what he has meant to not only our city, but to those… https://t.co/yLP9glxnZx
— Wayne Newton (@WayneNewtonMrLV) May 9, 2020
Horn was half of the duo of Siegfried & Roy. He and Siegfried Fischbacher are best known for their show that ran from 1990 to 2003 at the Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
"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," Siegfried Fischbacher said.
However, the show ended in 2003 after Horn was attacked on stage by one of the white tigers used in the duo's act.
"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 MountainView Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life," Siegfried Fischbacher said.
Siegfried & Roy consistently attracted sellout crowds through the years and signed a lifetime contract with the Mirage in 2001.
Lance Burton, another long-time Las Vegas magician, released the following statement:
I am heartbroken to hear the news of Roy Horn's passing. My heart goes out to Siegfried and the entire S&R extended family.
"The loss for Las Vegas is enormous. For me the loss is personal. As a boy I saw Siegfried and Roy on television and was inspired. I didn't know where Las Vegas was, or what gambling was, or what resorts were. I just knew there was a city called Las Vegas and S&R performed there. And I wanted to go there!
We should remember Roy as one of the all time greatest performers. But we should also remember him for his love of animals. He entertained millions of people, but more importantly he educated millions of people on the importance of conservation and sharing our planet with all living creatures. Well done friend.
I thank God for sending Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn to be with us for 75 years."
The pair began performing in Las Vegas lounges in the late 1960s and certainly left their mark on the city during their run until officially retiring from show business in 2010.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman also released the following statement Friday evening on her Twitter account:
Roy Horn and his partner Siegfried are synonymous with what has made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world. They formed a beyond spectacular performering act that can never be replicated. We are devastated by our loss of Roy, a unique entertainer and dear friend
— Carolyn G. Goodman (@mayoroflasvegas) May 9, 2020
MGM Resorts said the world lost a legendary figure with the passing of Horn on Friday. His story, and the story of Siegfried & Roy, are larger than life.
The world lost a legendary figure with the passing of Roy Horn. His story, and the story of Siegfried & Roy, are larger than life. Our hearts go out to Roy’s family and friends, and most notably to Siegfried who shared a lifetime of magic and friendship with this special man. pic.twitter.com/ZiWNFdGe2H
— MGM Resorts (@MGMResortsIntl) May 9, 2020
Nevada's Gov. Steve Sisolak also thanked Horn for his years of entertainment in the state while sending his thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.
Thank you, Roy, for your years of entertainment to Nevadans and visitors. May you Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to Roy’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/PPJXFvviIF
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 9, 2020
