Siegfried Fischbacher, half of the legendary illusion team Siegfried & Roy, has died from cancer.
His publicist, Dave Kirvin, confirmed Fischbacher’s death early Thursday. Fischbacher was 81.
“Funeral services will be private with plans for a public memorial in the future,” a statement from Kirvin said.
On Thursday, the Fremont Street Experience will celebrate Fischbacher’s life with special Viva Vision tribute starting at 6 p.m. and running at the top of every hour until 2 a.m. Earlier Thursday evening, MGM Resorts International announced it would pay tribute to his legacy by illuminating marquees at The Mirage and other properties on the Strip.
Sources indicate Fischbacher died Wednesday night from pancreatic cancer around midnight at Little Bavaria, the Las Vegas estate he shared with late partner Roy Horn.
Fischbacher had told his sister Dolore that he is in the care of two hospice nurses and has asked to be cared for at his Las Vegas home. The German publication Bild reported Thursday morning that Dolore, 78, who lives as a nun in Munich, said: “He fell asleep gently and peacefully,” adding, “The death of Siegfried was a redemption.”