Roy: A Celebration of Life
He's meticulous, confident, driven and caring. His friends will tell you that he cherishes life more than anyone they know does. Shirley MacLaine insists that he was a tiger in a past lifetime…those who know him will agree. They know despite the continual smile, he can sure snarl like a tiger.
Backstage at The Mirage, Roy (Siegfried & Roy) is known as the "dark," yet there's no one who can bring more sunshine into life. Roy celebrates life as a treasure, not just on his birthday (October 3) like most us, but everyday. He talks about welcoming each day — which usually begins about 2 o'clock and ends at dawn — as something special. Maybe it stems from being brought up in post-war Germany; most likely it's from his deep beliefs in the Lord.
Roy is a free spirit; a dreamer who enjoys being in control. He lives his life his way and doesn't like when it is interrupted. He tries to take full advantage of each day, and though he never stops, he'll complain that there's still not enough time.
One of Roy's favorite times when not on stage is when he's looking out the bay window of Little Bavaria (he calls it The Land) just outside of Las Vegas. The dogs, ducks, geese and other of Mother Nature's creatures that he sees everyday still make him smile. He relishes in the carefree life he has provided for them. When he goes outside, they flock to him seemingly to tell him "thanks." His pride of dogs has the run of the 100-plus acre grounds hidden by huge trees planted more than 30 years ago. They sense that it's time for him to walk with them as he does when not performing.
"I'm a dreamer who thrives in trying new things and reaching for the stars," he says. "I have never set limits on myself…at least I can always say that I tried. My life has been good, but I've never believed that I just had it coming. I know I've worked hard for what I have and I'm far from finished."
Realizing that everyone has not been as fortunate as Siegfried & Roy have been, Roy has quietly and without fanfare, given back to the community that has been so good to him. "Las Vegas is known as 'Sin City', well I consider it the 'City with Heart'. Throughout my world travels I've never met people with such feelings and caring as here in Las Vegas," Roy says with a grin. "These are giving people who take pride in their home."
Roy's passion was never more evident than the recent terrorist attacks that probably have changed the face of America, as we know it. The Las Vegas icons were scheduled to accept Germany's prestigious lifetime achievement award — The Golden Henne (cq) — the week following the attacks. They immediately canceled the trip out of respect for the victims and their survivors.
"If any awards are to be given, the members of the New York police and fire departments deserve them," he said. "The impact of these horrendous and maniacal events were felt around the world. I am so proud of the support given by Las Vegas' businesses and individuals. It proves that Las Vegas is truly a magical city of hope."
For two weeks following the September 11 tragedy, Siegfried & Roy were on a scheduled performing hiatus. During that time the MGM MIRAGE donated a million dollars to the disaster relief fund in the name of Siegfried & Roy and their other entertainers and employees. But Roy insisted that they do something on their own, so when they returned to The Mirage Friday (September 28), they donated their personal revenues from the performance to the fund.
"What better place to celebrate the Spirit of America than the place that so many adult visitors call their Disneyland."
