The famous illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher of Siegfried and Roy died Wednesday after battling pancreatic cancer, according to his publicist.
Dave Kirvin confirmed Siegfried’s death to CNN. Siegfried was 81 years old at the time of his death.
Breaking News: Siegfried Fischbacher, of Siegfried & Roy, has died at 81. The magician duo and their exotic cats were synonymous with Las Vegas show business.https://t.co/3QOoe2bF8z
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 14, 2021
Siegfried was the last remaining half of the duo that was known for illusions with rare animals. His partner Roy Horn passed away in May after suffering complications from COVID-19. He was 75 at the time of his death. (RELATED: REPORT: ‘Tiger King’ Filmmakers Might Chronicle The Tiger Attack During A Siegfried And Roy Show)
“Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days,” Siegfried said in a statement at the time, CNN reported. “I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy’s life.”
The duo began their career in Las Vegas show business back in 1967.
“We did what we did out of love, not for success or money,” Fischbacher once said, CNN reported. “We had a deep respect for each other. We literally raised each other: I created Roy and Roy created Siegfried.”