Siegfried and Roy End Their Act in Final Charity Performance

When one thinks of magic, tigers, and even Las Vegas, the first couple of names that probably come to mind are Siegfried and Roy. Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn are the poster children for illusions, especially involving the animal kingdom. However, the career of Siegfried and Roy took a massive hit after Roy's near death attack from one of their famed tigers. So with that tiger by their side, Siegfried and Roy gave yet another performance, which could very be well their final act on the stage.

Siegfried and Roy appeared in Las Vegas last night, for the benefit of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, due to open in Vegas this year. The charity act was Siegfried and Roy's first show since the attack on Roy Horn, and is expected to be their last ever.

For their final act, Roy Horn dressed up in a skeletal mask and black robes, though he often needed Siegfried's help to walk on the stage. With them was the tiger that ended it all for them, named Montecore.

In 2003, Montecore nearly mauled Horn during a performance, which partially paralyzed him as well. The attack put an end to Siegfried and Roy's career, which had lasted for over 30 years, going back to 1972.

Horn is also suffering from some brain damage, according to reports. He and Siegfried have publicly said that the tiger was trying to save Horn, claiming that he was having a stroke on stage

For their reunion, Siegfried got into a cage and seemed to have disappeared, later to be replaced by Montecore. Without a word, the two accepted the thanks and applause of the crowd.

But Siegfried and Roy's farewell did not come with completely open arms. PETA, which frequently targeted Siegfried and Roy for using animals in their act, protested outside of the Bellagio Hotel. The group called for the abolition of animal magic acts, and for Siegfried and Roy's animals to be sent to sanctuaries now that they are retired.

Siegfried and Roy brought their share of criticism, their share of mockery, and share of jokes about their relationship, to go along with the wonder they inspired for the audiences over four decades.

Their final show inside the Bellagio was covered by ABC's 20/20, as part of an exclusive one hour special on Siegfried and Roy, the end of their careers, and the status of Horn after the tiger attack. It will air on Friday night.

Sources

CBC News- "Siegfried and Roy and tiger share final performance" www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2009/03/01/siegfriedandroy-finale-tiger.html

ABC 4- "Siegfried and Roy take final bow for charity" www.abc4.com/content/news/national/story/Siegfried-and-Roy-take-final-bow-for-charity/7xPvPHwteEuY4gbKYYG6hQ.cspx

L.A. Unleashed- "PETA to protest Siegfried and Roy's final show" latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/02/siegfried-peta.html