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LOS ANGELES, United States (Reuters / variety.com): Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn, whose collaboration with Siegfried Fischbacher created the well-known animal training and magic duo Siegfried & Roy, died of complications from Covid’s Friday the 19th in Las Vegas. .
He was 75 years old.
Horn had revealed on April 28 that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
“Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend,” Siegfried said in a statement.
“From the moment we met, I knew that Roy and I together would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, nor Roy without Siegfried.”
“Roy was a fighter all his life, even during these last days.
“I sincerely thank the team of doctors, nurses, and staff at Mountain View Hospital who heroically worked against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy ‘s life,” he said.
Born in Nordenham, Germany, Horn had a lifelong love for animals and adopted a cheetah, Chico, at an early age.
He met magician Siegfried while working as a butler on a cruise ship.
Horn asked Siegfried if he could make a cheetah disappear, unaware that Horn had smuggled his cheetah pet on board.
Siegfried said, “In magic, anything is possible,” although they were reportedly fired from the ship.
Siegfried and Roy began performing with tigers in Europe, and were discovered while performing in Paris.
They started acting in Las Vegas in 1967 in magazines like Hallelujah Hollywood and Lido de Paris.
His splendid act at the Mirage began in 1989 and lasted 14 years, selling nightly in what was then the largest theater in Las Vegas.
The Mirage hotel continues to house the Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy animal attraction.
The event incorporated more than 55 white tigers, white lions, leopards, jaguars and an elephant that appeared and disappeared.
Horn was forced to stop acting in 2003 when his white tiger Mantecore bit his neck and dragged him offstage.
His spine was cut and he suffered serious injuries; He later said he thought the tiger was trying to save him after suffering a stroke on stage.
He had to relearn how to speak and walk, and was finally able to continue traveling and appearing at events.
The duo retired in 2010.
A 2004 animated television show, Father of the Pride, was based on his act, but was canceled after one season.
“Roy’s whole life has been about defying the odds,” Siegfried added.
“He grew up with very little and became famous around the world for his showmanship, talent, and lifelong commitment to animal conservation.
“He had a strength and he will be unlike anyone I have ever known.”
He is survived by a brother, Werner. – Reuters
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