Siegfried Fischbacher, who was half of the world-famous magic and entertainment act Siegfried and Roy, lost his cancer battle this week.

His passing comes just eight months after the death of his long-term business partner, Roy Horn.

Fischbacher and Horn met more than 60 years ago when they were both on a cruise. At the time, Horn was a steward, and Siegfried was a magician, according the act’s publicity firm. Horn helped Siegried, and a life-long friendship and partnership blossomed.
They began their act on the Vegas strip in 1967. Then, in 1989, they started their 14-year run at the Mirage. This move made them a household name.

Siegfried & Roy was an act known for their work with big cats and their Las Vegas show that went on for decades. The popular magic show came to a halt after a near-fatal accident that stopped the long-running production.

During their acts, the pair would use a collection of animals, including white tigers, white lions, jaguars, leopards, and an elephant.

In 2003, Mantecore, a 380-pound tiger, bit Horn’s neck and dragged hinm off the stage, leaving the then 60-year-old partially paralyzed. Horn died in May of Covid-19 complications.
When Horn passed, Fischbacher expressed these words, a true testament to their relationship.

“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.”

Fischbacher was 81.