Illusionist Roy’s mother dies at 86

Jace Radke

Tuesday, June 20, 2000 | 10:28 a.m.

Siegfried and Roy manager Bernie Yuman enjoyed calling Johanna Horn for advice because she always made time for everyone.

As the mother of Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn, better known as one half of the world famous illusionist team of Siegfried and Roy, Johanna Horn didn't have to take the time to give advice, but that's the kind of person she was, Yuman said.

"Whenever anyone called it was always, 'Oh, how are you?' " Yuman said. "She just had a way of making you feel like you were the person of the moment, and everything else was pushed over to the side. She was a very warm and caring person."

Johanna Horn, who had lived in Las Vegas for 30 years, died in her sleep Saturday morning of natural causes at the age of 86.

Roy said his mother has always been a courageous and strong woman and that he is "thankful for every day we had together and the great spirit Johanna has left me to carry on."

Behind the showmanship, white tigers and amazing illusions that have become synonymous with Siegfried and Roy's nearly 30 years of performances in Las Vegas, Johanna was the one her family and friends went to for advice.

"Since I became Siegfried and Roy's manager 25 years ago, I've had the pleasure of knowing Johanna and seeing what a great sense of inspiration she has been," Yuman said. "She was very level-headed and very wise, and always gave you a straight, simple answer that you could rely upon.

"She never had a short word for anyone and always treated people with kindness. You don't come across people like that very often."

Born in Germany, Johanna Horn has been involved in all aspects of her son's career from helping to produce the shows to raising the pair's white tigers.

Four decades ago Horn embarked on appearances throughout Europe with her son and Siegfried, including a breakthrough performance for Monaco's Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. She later moved to Las Vegas and watched the duo's progress from the first MGM Grand to the Stardust, then the Frontier, and finally the Mirage.

Over the years Horn reigned as the matriarch of the Siegfried and Roy family as well as the leader of her new found American friends, Yuman said.

"She really set an example and was an inspiration on what a parent can do to help their children reach goals," Yuman said. "She did everything in her power to help her family along, whether it was her immediate family or her family in the Siegfried organization."

In addition to Roy, Horn is survived by two more sons, Werner Horn of Las Vegas and Alfred Fink of Scotland; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Services will be Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, 3050 Alta Drive. The family said, "To express sympathy, a prayer will comfort us."