Star magician Siegfried Fischbacher has died at 81

Las Vegas, Nevada - Siegfried Fischbacher, the surviving member of German-American entertainment duo Siegfried and Roy, has died at the age of 81, his sister confirmed on Thursday.

The second partner in the magical duo, Siegfried Fischbacher (r., †81), has died (archive image).
The second partner in the magical duo, Siegfried Fischbacher (r., †81), has died (archive image).  © imago images / Michael Westermann

Fischbacher, originally from the city of Rosenheim in south-east Germany, became famous for his appearances with white tigers and lions alongside his partner Roy Horn.

"He was at home in Las Vegas," Fischbacher's sister said, adding that she had called him on the phone. "I was able to pray with him and tell him that I would always be with him in my heart."

The news came just days after it was revealed that Fischbacher was terminally ill with cancer.

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His partner Horn died after falling ill with Covid-19 in May 2020.

Born on June 13, 1939, Fischbacher began learning magic tricks as a boy.

He later found work entertaining passengers on the TS Bremen ship, where he met animal trainer Horn.

In 1967, the duo went to Las Vegas. In 1988, they inked a million-dollar deal to perform at the Mirage Hotel in the casino city.

During their 14-year run at the hotel from 1989, they became world renowned.

The duo's career ended in 2003, when Horn was attacked by his tiger Mantecore during a performance, causing severe injuries, from which he never fully recovered.

A friend confirmed the sad news on Facebook

Ingrid Kernbach, a good friend of Fischbacher, also confirmed the death of the world famous magician via Facebook.

Translated, her message reads: "Very sad. Siegfried passed away 3 hours ago. R.I.P. dear Siegfried. I hope you are with all your loved ones and that has Roy started a heavenly show for you."

Cover photo: imago images / Michael Westermann

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