Editorial: All our best to Roy

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003 | 8:34 a.m.

Siegfried & Roy are synonymous with Las Vegas. The duo has brought our city an incalculable measure of worldwide exposure. For Las Vegans who are entertaining out-of-town relatives or friends, Siegfried & Roy almost always top the list of entertainers they want to see. The entertainers' showmanship is legendary, and their charitable contributions and giving to the community have created a personal bond between them and Las Vegans. That is why, even four days after Roy Horn was attacked by one of the white tigers during Friday's show, Las Vegans still are in shock by what happened.

In some respects, such an attack shouldn't be too surprising -- the tigers are wild animals. But that Horn hadn't been injured in all these years, and how he made everything seem so effortless in his performances, masked the real dangers he faced. Unlike some performers, Roy never exploited animals. He is someone who is genuinely concerned with the welfare of animals and has brought attention to the importance of saving endangered wildlife. Another endearing part of the show is that it's something the entire family can enjoy -- the kind of show that increasingly is in short supply in Las Vegas as the city tries to cultivate a risque image. It also is all the more remarkable that Roy, who just turned 59, could still be in such a physically demanding show, performing 46 weeks a year.

It is a sign of the community's deep concern for Roy that so many people -- cast members, fellow entertainers and fans -- showed up for a candlelight vigil Sunday night outside University Medical Center where he is in critical condition. We, as do all other Las Vegans and those worldwide whose lives have been touched by Roy's gifts, hope and pray his recovery is a speedy one.