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Las Vegas headliner Danny Gans dies
Wynn remembers Gans as ‘talented and loving friend’
Steve Marcus
Danny Gans relaxes earlier this year in his dressing room at the Encore Theatre. Gans, a Las Vegas headliner since 1996, signed on to perform there at Steve Wynn’s urging.
Published Friday, May 1, 2009 | 8:03 a.m.
Updated Friday, May 1, 2009 | 6:37 p.m.
Sun Blog
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- Russ Fons, Las Vegas Broadcast Center Bureau Chief, interviews Danny Gans in 1996
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Sun coverage
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- Gans talks about leaving the Mirage for Encore and working for Steve Wynn. (Jan. 2009)
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- Gans talks about how the show's format allows for flexibility. (Jan. 2009)
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- Danny Gans on how the economy is affecting the show. (Jan. 2009)
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Danny Gans at Encore
Sun archives
- Danny Gans: Here, he’s Mr. Close Enough (2-23-2009)
- No Mirage: Gans makes Strip return at Encore (2-7-2009)
- Danny Gans reveals secrets of his new residency at Encore (2-6-2009)
- Gans shapes encore show for Wynn (with audio) (1-30-2009)
Beyond the Sun
Las Vegas Strip performer Danny Gans died Friday morning at age 52.
Wynn Resorts spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne said Gans died at his Henderson home off Horizon Ridge Parkway. She called the death sudden.
The Clark County Coroner's Office on Friday afternoon said the cause and manner of death are pending. Henderson Police Department detectives are conducting a death investigation, but preliminary results have not turned up any evidence of foul play, authorities said.
In a statement Friday morning, Steve Wynn said the death was unexpected and devastating.
"Elaine and I and all of us in the Company are devastated at the loss of our brilliant, talented and loving friend. One of the most unique human beings and entertainers in the world has been taken from us in an unexpected moment. A profoundly tragic event that leaves us all sad and speechless. The loss of Danny to his wife Julie, his children Amy, Andrew & Emily is at this moment impossible to comprehend. We will all try to go on with our lives without our dear friend. At this moment it seems almost impossible," Wynn said.
After stints at the Stratosphere and the Rio and eight years at the Mirage, where he reigned in his self-titled theater, Gans recently moved across the street and into the new Encore Theatre.
He was a quick-change artist, using his supple voice, elastic face and body English to jump from character to character.
In his 90-minute-plus program, Gans delivered a buffet of impressions: Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin — in self-duet with Jerry Lewis, and the inevitable Elvis and George Burns.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Las Vegas was made better with Gans as a performer.
“Danny Gans brought joy to the lives of the millions of Nevadans and tourists who came to Las Vegas to see his show. He was a talented performer who used his celebrity to give back to our community and those in need. Las Vegas is a better place because of Danny Gans. He will truly be missed," Reid said in a statement.
Sen. John Ensign echoed those sentiments: “Danny Gans was a talented entertainer and a valuable member of our community whose contributions to help those in need will be greatly missed. Darlene and I will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn such a sudden loss.”
Henderson dispatchers received a 911 call at 3:44 a.m. Friday that a man was having difficulty breathing at his home, said Todd Rasmussen, spokesman for the Henderson Police Department.
Police officers and paramedics were dispatched to his Henderson home two minutes later and arrived at 3:51 a.m. When paramedics arrived they pronounced Gans dead at the scene and he was not taken to a hospital, Rasmussen said.
Rose Marie Scelfo, who was visiting Las Vegas from New Jersey, said she saw Gans’ last show Wednesday night.
“We were shocked when we saw it on television today,” she said about the news of his death. “Your heart goes out to the family. They seem like such a nice family.”
Lyle Merrick, who was visiting from Delaware, learned about Gans’ death as she looked across the street at the Encore marquee on Friday.
She and her husband, Larry, also saw Gans’ final performance Wednesday. They had center seats in the theater and wanted to see him again after watching his performance last year at the Mirage.
“He just put everything he had into what he was trying to give to his audience,” Lyle Merrick said. “It was wonderful. He was the best I had even seen in an entertainer.”
Friends and fellow Strip performers remembered Gans as a man who loved his family and his work.
"Danny Gans will not only be remembered as a Las Vegas entertainer, but as a man who loved his family, loved God and loved the city of Las Vegas," Gans' manager, Chip Lightman, said in a statement. "Danny has been my partner and dear friend for over 18 years. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife of 28 years, Julie, and his three children, Amy, Andrew and Emily."
Laura Herlovich, co owner of PR Plus, worked with Gans on and off over the years since his days at the Mirage.
"Danny is a major personality and an iconic Las Vegas entertainer and a really compassionate, caring and wonderful man," she said, adding he will be remembered for working with charities including the Make A Wish Foundation and children's golf charities.
Gans was mourned Friday at Harrah's Entertainment Inc., which is the owner of the Rio hotel-casino just off the Las Vegas Strip where Gans performed for years.
"The entire Harrah's Entertainment family is deeply saddened by the loss of Danny Gans," Harrah's Chief Executive Officer Gary Loveman said. "He was not only an incredibly talented performer, but was also a devoted family man and an important contributor to our community. We are proud that he entertained thousands of guests at our Rio property over many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, friends and fans. Danny will never be forgotten.''
Magician Lance Burton said: "The news of Danny Gans' passing is unbelievably shocking. Las Vegas has lost one of its best ambassadors. He was quite simply one of the greatest entertainers ever to step foot onto the stage. In my 27 years in Las Vegas, I have never seen anyone better."
Wayne Newton, a Las Vegas icon for five decades, commented on the death through a spokeswoman.
"I would like to extend my sympathy to Danny’s wife and family. Danny was an immense talent and a great friend," Newton said. "He brought so much to Las Vegas, both on and off the stage. He gave his time and talent to local charities, and can be credited with creating an era of impressionist entertainers on the Strip. I will miss him."
Discussion: 46 comments so far…
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Wow, if this is true, RIP Mr. Gans. Your show was wonderful.
What a loss....this is so sad...rest in peace!
What a sad and unexpected loss....RIP Danny Gans and my prayers and thoughts go out to your family and friends.
This came as a shock to us. Our condolences to the family of a truly wonderful entertainer. Rest in peace, Danny.
Danny was a fantastic entertainer who did a great show.
Thoughts go to his family, coworkers and the family at Wynn.
Comment removed by staff.
An amazing talent we can all be thankful for the opportunities of sharing a few moments of our laughter and tears with.
Heart failure?
I hope Danny's memory lives on in the lives of all his friends & family and the causes he supported.
Terrible news. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
What such a way to wake up this morning to hear the passing of Danny. He will be dearly missed by one and all. MY DEEPEST AND WARM FELT CONDOLENCES TO ALL HIS FAMILY. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE YOUR FEELINGS AT THIS MOMENT AND PRAY HE S GIVEING THE ANGELS ONE HECK OF A STAND UP SHOW!!!
Comment removed by staff.
Be with the Angels. Thank you for bringing so many smiles to so many people.
So terribly sad. Danny really was a true believer in Vegas and really was a great face for the city. His passing truly leaves a dark spot on the Strip.
WOW - Las Vegas wont be the same - he was a true one man show - He was the best - saw him at the mirage - rest in peace Danny!!!
I'm just in shock over this. He is still a young man, and to lose his life so early. The "Strip" will never be the same. My thoughts go out to his family.
A great entertainer and citizen. Las Vegas is poorer today for this loss.
Condolences to his family.
Unreal! Our family saw him last March. His performance brought a smile to our trip. During his performance he talked about his children. So sad! Our hearts are broken. God bless his family. The Smiths - Baltimore, MD
Danny Gans is one of those people you see on stage and think "He's bigger than life". He brought me and my husband so much joy and fun at the show we saw about 6 yrs ago. We are so saddened to learn the news today about his passing. Really leaves you speechless and stunned. He is and always will be awesome.
Crystal and Scott Cadger, Meridian, ID.
Surely many enjoyed his show in Vegas.
But We have never met Danny Gans. Two years ago my husband got the bible scholarship in Jubilee Bible College, San Jose which was sponsored by Danny. And that changed our lives. We have planted 4 churches in India since then. Surely the seed he sowed in our lives is touching many lives and it will continue to touch many for Christ and he will reap the reward in heaven. Our love and Prayers to his family and friends.
-John Henry & Christina
San Jose, California
Maybe he had lipoprotein(a) in his genetic makeup? High risk for heart attack or stroke at young age even while healthy and in shape.
Sad Year for Vegas!
Guy gave 110 percent every night. 2 guys that is irreplaceable in Las Vegas first Gondo now Danny. Hope they guide UNLV and the City to prosperity from the heavens. God Bless!
Comment removed by staff.
I was shocked when I saw this headline tonight. He was the same age as I am. My parents and I saw his show several years ago at the Rio and thoroughly enjoyed it. He was very funny and very talented. My prayers are with his family.
when i first heard this - I remembered when elvis died - could not believe it - again - a great and talented person taken too soon. Be well my friend Patti from Florida
Danny, you were a great entertainter and a great friend the world will miss you deeply. May God keep you close.With love your friend Trey Noran.
Danny, you were a great entertainter and a great friend the world will miss you deeply. May God keep you close. Your friend Trey Noran.
DANNY GANS WAS THE ULTIMATE PERFORMER. HE PUT IT ALL OUT EVERY SHOW. I AM SADDENED FOR THE LOSS OF SUCH A GIFTED AND WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS. MY THANKS TO MR.WYNN FOR GIVING US YEARS OF THIS GREAT SHOWMAN. HIS SMILE AND MEMORIES ARE FOREVER REMEMBERED BY MY WIFE & I.
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
Las Vegas son, you will be greatly missed! I am honored to have witnessed your talent.
My wife Kim and I saw his show 9 years ago at the Mirage during our honey moon. It was wonderful. He channeled the spirits of many stars and made you feel like you were a friend. My wife and I will never forget the show. I was just in Las Vegas about 2 weeks ago. I thought about seeing his show again at the Encore. Now, I wish I had. All our sympathy and best wishes to his family and friends.
Joe Huk, www.HUKFM.com
You always got the feeling that Danny wasn't taking himself too seriously. He could ease-up any crowd.
My husband & I visited Vegas a month ago. We looked for a show that would be good, clean and entertaining - we choose Danny Gans. We were very delighted with our choice. He was a very talented man, he put on a performance beyond our expectations and we loved how he was devoted to his family and how he shared about them during his show. When coming home to PA, we told all our friends that we'd go back to Vegas - if all we did was go see Danny Gans again. He surely will be missed by many admirers, family and freinds.
Our prayers are with all !!
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO SEE DANNY GANS @ THE MIRAGE IN AUGUST OF 2002. PEOPLE NOT BEING ABLE TO GET TICKETS THAT NITE WERE OFFERING MORE THEN THE GOING PRICE OF A TICKET TO SEE HIM..MY HUSBAND AND I SAID "NO WAY" AND WE ARE SO THANKFUL WE STUCK TO OUR GUT FEELINGS..DANNY WAS TOTALLY UNBELIEVABLE AND UNFORGETTABLE AS A PERFORMER..THE BEST PERFORMANCE WE HAD EVER SEEN IN LAS VEGAS ..AND WE HAVE SEEN MANY..I LEFT IN TEARS...KNOWING THAT GOD HAD GIVEN DANNY GANS A TALENT TO SHARE WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS THRU THE YEARS..OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS WIFE, CHILDREN, MANAGER AND STEVE WYNN FOR GIVING US "DANNY GANS".. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY..ANGEL AND JIM OF TAMPA,FL
The one and only time we saw Danny Gans perform was at the Mirage shortly after 9/11/ 2001.
Even though Danny's show tickets were $100.00, each, we really felt we had to splurge, especially after reading on the Internet that Danny Gans was a great entertainer and not to be missed.
The conference, plane and hotel reservations were booked months in advance, but after 9/11 we really had a hard decision to make; whether to go or not. But, the conference was going to be held and we felt we needed to carry on with our lives.
We we so thankful we went to Las Vegas. We really sensed an unbelievable feeling of community. People were reticent, but happy to connect to fellow Americans, because we knew we were all in this together. The fantastic Bellagio fountains played the most beautiful patriot music. As we stood around the perimeter, we met and shared stories with complete strangers, we became families in our grief. New York New York Hotel had a memorial at a fence at the perimeter of the complex with hundreds of photographs of those who lost their lives in New York City and myriads of fresh bouquets of flowers. You could not help but weep as you past by the memorial.
I mention all of the above only to try and give a feeling of what was going on in Las Vegas at that time.
Danny Gans did a service to humanity with his performance at the Mirage in the weeks following 9/11. We were there for one performance and it changed our lives and we've never forgotten his gift. We were heavy hearted and not sure we should be laughing, even though we needed so badly to be lifted up. Danny started the show very slowly and acknowledged America's grief and gently allowed us, through his words and gentle humor, to believe that we would be alright and we can and should laugh again.
He ended the program with Lee Greenwood's song "God Bless The USA" . The words he sung touched our hearts, "I"m proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free and I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me and I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today because there's still no doubt I love this land God Bless the USA" When Danny sung the words "I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today", nearly 1200 people stood up, clasped hands and held them high and swayed together with the final words ringing in our ears "I'm proud to be an American". God Bless you forever Danny Gans and may Gods Angels forever comfort your family, until we all meet again.
How does a man of 52 in supposedly in great shape die of a heart attack? I think there is more to this story. I am not a fan, heck I thought he was a illusionist or something. intersting to see the coroners report shows.
I read in a Northern NewJersey Newspaper that Danny Gans passed away. I saw him twice in one year. 1st in Vegas, loved his show so much that when he came to Atlantic City, NJ I was right there. His show was brilliant, funny, clean and damn right awesome. May he rest in peace and his family relish happy memories....I am truely a sad fan in NewJersey. xo
Danny Gans was my dearest and closest friend for nearly 30 years. For years we talked and planned that one day we would do his show together. Even through the years I played with Wayne Newton we made plans and 18 years ago I started playing drums for Danny. It has been the most incredible experience of my life and the most fun. Danny was first and foremost a Christian man, husband and father and then just happened to be one of the most gifted and talented performers on the planet. We will never see anyone quite like him ever again. His light will never dim in us who knew him and those who were touched by his show. I am a better person for having him in my life. I miss you terribly my friend and I'll see you when my work is done.....
The Lord bless you and keep you....May His light shine within your heart as you shine within mine.....
Your brother in every way,
Raphael Erardy
I can't believe that Danny Gans died. I just saw him in March and it was the greatest show that I had ever seen. He was so talented and seemed like a great guy outside of his show. It is such a shame to see a great talent go away so shockingly. I almost drove off the road when I heard of Danny Gans death. God bless the Ganns family and my condolenses go out to you.
I saw Danny Gans at the Rio in 1997 while on holiday from the Uk...I have never stopped talking about him and his fantastic show through the years!
What a terrible shock I had on hearing this sad, sad news.
My heart goes out to his family at this very sad time.
There are no words when something sudden happens to people in this life, esp. when they are people that have touched our lives in a special way, such as Danny Gans did with millons of people over all of his classic years entertaining in Las Vegas! I never got to see him live, but I saw all of the DVD's and heard all of the wonderful comments from friends who did see him in person. Mr.Gans was blessed and he blessed millons of other souls by making everyone who saw him and knew him feel good. May he rest in peace and may we all be reminded that this life truly is fragile, whetever we do, do it with passion and love for your fellow human being, as Danny Gans did! Love and Respect!
For Danny
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell
among the wonders of the earth; for my larger
self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other
side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine
that touches your skin, a tropical breeze
upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart
and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your
hour of need, I will be there to comfort you.
I will share your tears, your joys, your fears,
your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels,
and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses
the flowers. I am the calm that follows a
raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats
among the garden of God, and I am pure
white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die,
as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
Joe Fazio
jfazio@gmail.com
Very sad to hear such a Vegas icon has passed.
I understand his death was due to an "accidental" dose of hydromorphone. Hydromorphone is one of the most powerful narcotics made. The brand name is "dilaudid" and is said to be 10 times stronger than morphine. Mr. Gans must have been in chronic, excrutiating pain to have been prescribed such a potent, addictive narcotic. That is very sad to hear in itself.
May he rest in peace.
**Are they going to darken the lights on The Strip in his honor?**
This sucks! He was the Rich Little of this generation. His Forest Gump impersonation was flawless.
WOW! I'm so sorry to hear this. I wish I could have seen him perform. My heart goes out to his family and friends. GOD BLESS...
Freddie A
For Danny...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
Joe Fazio
For Danny...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
Joe Fazio