Siegfried Fischbacher born at June 13 1939 Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germanyand
Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn born at October 3 1944 Nordenham, Germany, Best known as Popular Las Vegas magicians who work with white tigers
Before they even met, they both had their childhood dreams. Little did they know that someday they would go to a land called Las Vegas, establishing a new pinnacle of magical stage spectacle.
"Within all of is an elusive melody which, when heard and followed, leads to the fulfillment of our fondest dreams," Siegfried & Roy explain simply. Indeed, growing up in the small town of Rosenheim, Germany, Siegfried Fischbacher experienced a powerful feeling of destiny at a very early age. When he was nine years old, feeling drawn to the world of magic, he discovered a book about magic at the village bookstore. But his parents couldn't afford to buy it for him, so the youngster would often walk by the bookstore, just gazing at the book through the window.
One day, on his way home, Siegfried found a five-mark bill floating in the gutter. Elated, he picked up the bill, raced back to the store and purchased the book. Taking it home and into the privacy of his bedroom, the child spent hours practicing his magic. Once he had perfected his first trick, he performed it for his Father, putting a coin in a glass, covering the glass with a handkerchief and making the coin disappear. His father's reaction buoyed his spirits - he had impressed the audience he wanted to impress the most.
Meanwhile, growing up in Nordenham, Germany, a young boy name Roy Horn was spending a lot of time with his beloved companion, a half-dog, half-wolf named Hexe. One day, while the two were out on an afternoon walk, they stopped to rest under a willow tree. Above them a raven perched on a limb. Taking a brief nap, Roy was awakened by the raven's caw. He reached out to touch the bird, but it flew away. Fascinated, he decided to follow it. But as he strayed into a patch of reeds, Roy suddenly found himself sinking in quicksand. Sensing danger, Hexe ran off. Moments later, the boy heard a human voice -- Hexe had fetched a farmer, saving young Roy from certain death. That was Roy's first real lesson in the bond of trust that could exist between humans and animals.
Seeking escape from the ravages of war, Roy found his solace at the Bremen Zoo. There he would spend time with two-year-old Chico, the cheetah that inspired his love for exotic cats. Communicating with Chico with catlike sounds through the iron bars, Roy spent months earning the animal's trust. Finally, the handlers gave him permission to enter Chico's den and to take care of him and feed him. Eventually, Chico allowed Roy to take him for walks.
Meanwhile, Siegfried discovered a special shop called "The King of Magic" in Munich, 30 miles up the road from Rosenheim. Through the shop's window he eyed an ornate magic box. The proprietor, an old Hungarian gypsy, told Siegfried that the box was for professional magicians only. With no money, the box was out of Siegfried's grasp. Siegfried opened it anyway.
This simple act could serve as a metaphor for Siegfried & Roy's lives.
When Siegfried & Roy arrived in Las Vegas more than 30 years ago, a leading hotel executive said to them, "Boys, I have to tell you, magic doesn't work in this town."
Siegfried & Roy not only proved him wrong, but they succeeded even beyond their own wildest dreams. As International Magicians Society Chairman Tony Hassini stated, upon presenting the illusionists with the prestigious "Magicians of the Century" award at the Millennium Merlin Award ceremony, "Siegfried & Roy's contribution to magic is indefinable. To the public, they are THE magicians, but they are also very much loved and respected by their peers. They have placed magic on a plateau and have become larger than life. I doubt if their contributions will ever be matched."
Hassini also said that the Merlin represents "the magic" accomplished by Siegfried & Roy offstage, namely their efforts to preserve the magnificent Royal White Tigers and Magical White Lions. Such an achievement, Hassini noted, was particularly amazing since it was accomplished in Las Vegas, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of these two individuals. But Siegfried & Roy can think of no better place to make their magic.
Timeline
13 Jun 1939 Siegfried Fischbacher born, Rosenheim, Bavaria.
3 Oct 1944 Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn, Nordenham, Germany.
1957 Siegfried meets Roy aboard a cruise ship.
1967 Debut in TRopicana Hotel Casino in Las Vegas
Nov 1981 Open at the New Frontier casino.
1 Feb 1990 Siegfried and Roy open at The Mirage
1995 Siegfried and Roy receive the Liberace Legend Award.
22 May 1996 Siegfried and Roy present the Liberace Legend Award to Liza Minelli. The award is described as a "lucite and silver candelabra." Could there be more gay in one place?
1997 Estimated earnings, $58M. Forbes
Apr 1998 Siegfried and Roy's white lion, Prosperity , is named Mascot of the U.S. Senate by Senator Harry Reid of Nevada.
Aug 1999 "So you go deeper and say what is going on in my bedroom and in Roy's bedroom? I don't care. I don't know. I tell you this because this is me, and I wouldn't ask you what you do with your dick, either." Siegfried, to Vanity Fair
2001 Siegfried and Roy sign a lifetime contract with The Mirage casino in Las Vegas.
3 Oct 2003 Roy attacked onstage by their nine year old Bengal tiger, during its debut performance. Witnesses said Roy "looked like a rag doll". Roy was dispatched to University Medical Center and is in critical condition. Happy birthday.
11 Oct 2003 PETA stages a protest outside the Mirage casino in Las Vegas , calling for Siegfried and Roy to retire their tigers and construct a sanctuary for them.
16 Oct 2003 Reports surface that Roy Horn's body is paralyzed on the left side, and that a large portion (half the right side) of his skull was removed to relieve brain pressure. The skull fragment is living in Roy's abdomen until it can be returned to his head. Las Vegas Review-Journa