10 seconds ago 2010-02-09T20:33:52-08:00
Celine Dion, Danny Gans and CherGetty ImagesAccess Hollywood
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Las Vegas lost one of its great performers early Friday morning when impressionist Danny Gans, an 11-time "Entertainer of the Year," died in his sleep at the age of 52.
Later Friday, a number of his fellow Vegas performers reached out to remember him and his work.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: What Happens In Vegas...
"I'm very, very sad, and completely shocked to hear the news about Danny," singer Celine Dion , who performed at Caesars Palace from 2002-2007, said in a statement to Access Hollywood. "[My husband] Rene and I have loved him very much since the first time we saw him and met him at the Rio in 1997. Not only was he the best in his field, but he was such a kind and loving person.
"About a month before my last show at Caesars, Danny and his wife Julie, and their daughters came to see us. We talked and laughed for over an hour," she added. "I can't believe he's not with us anymore, and our heart goes out to his family. I wish them God's strength."
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She was joined in her feelings by Cher , who is currently performing at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
"I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of such a unique and gifted talent," Cher told Access in a statement.
Danny was also remembered by one of his bandmates, saxophonist Fred Champoux, who told People that the impressionist had been in "top health" at his final show on Wednesday night.
"He did as good as show as he's ever done," Fred told the mag. "There was no suspicion anything was wrong, not a clue that there was a problem."
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Remembering Danny Gans
PLAY IT NOW: Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Celebrate First Anniversary In Las Vegas (May 1, 2009)
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Deaths - Las Vegas - Music - Celebrities
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alias mommyRIP DANNY GANS..... GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY, HELP THEM THROUGH THIS MAJORLY DIFFICULT TIME. YOU CAN NEVER EVER TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED, YOU MUST SHARE EVERY MOMENT THAT YOU CAN, BECAUSE IT CAN BE GONE IN AN INSTANT. AND IT HURTS UNLIKE ANYTHING OYU'VE EVER FELT BEFORE. I KNOW...I ALMOST LOST BOTH OF MY PARENTS MANY TIMES...FROM 2004 TO THE PRESENT 2009.report abuseposted May 11, 2009 7:38 PM PDT
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Kaitlynmy parents saw him when he performed with celine dion for her world tour. they said he was AMAZING and very TALENTED. god bless him and his familyreport abuseposted May 3, 2009 10:56 PM PDT
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__A_YAHOO_USER__I saw Gan's show in Vegas almost every time I went up there & it was ALWAYS TOP NOTCH. The man oviously loved his audiences & his job. he will be greatly missed....report abuseposted May 3, 2009 7:47 PM PDT
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guessI'm no fan of Cher's BUT she looks amazing for her age...for any age for that matter!report abuseposted May 3, 2009 1:13 PM PDT
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peacenowYou people are SO judgmental and critical - Cher is an amazing talent both as an actress and performer. "Older" people would definitely pay to see and hear her perform. Maybe she works because she loves it and that's what she's always done, not because she "craves the spotlight". A little empathy wouldn't hurt!report abuseposted May 3, 2009 11:30 AM PDT
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COOKIEyouillbeseenasreport abuseposted May 3, 2009 10:04 AM PDT
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jmommyof3i would never pay to see anyone in concert anymore, when they usually are on "unplugged" on mtv or "crossroads" on cmt...report abuseposted May 3, 2009 4:15 AM PDT
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jmommyof3i would never pay to see anyone in concert anymore, when they usually are on "unplugged" on mtv or "crossroads" on cmt...report abuseposted May 3, 2009 4:14 AM PDT
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StelHrseRyderwhat retirement center is cher preforming at ? I didnt think vegas was getting many tourist these days, is she selling out the seats ? Isnt this her 3 or 4th time outta retirement? some just cant live without the spotlight.report abuseposted May 3, 2009 3:49 AM PDT
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Seanthose are the names from Cluelessreport abuseposted May 3, 2009 2:44 AM PDT
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