Legendary Impressionist Danny Gans Dies

Access Hollywood - May 1, 2009 12:32 PM PDT
Story photo: Legendary Impressionist Danny Gans DiesEntertainer Danny Gans arrives at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game at the Thomas & Mack Center on February 18, 2007 in Las VegasGetty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Las Vegas legend Danny impressionist Gans has died, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

The entertainer -- often referred to as the "Man of Many Voices" -- died in his sleep early Friday morning. He was 52.

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A family member who reportedly said Gans was having trouble breathing placed a call to 911 early Friday morning, but the impressionist died before help could arrive.

"Obviously everyone is in shock, I apologize, I want to give you more information but right now I have to tend to the family," Gans' longtime manager, Chip Lightman, told FOX5 in Las Vegas.

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Gans, who was named "Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year" 11 times in a row, did not perform on Thursday night.

A former professional baseball player whose career was cut short by injury, Gans began performing in Las Vegas in 1996. Vegas mogul Steve Wynn hired Gans to work at the Mirage in 2000, where he performed until moving to Wynn's Encore resort in 2009.

Gans also had a role in the 1988 baseball film "Bull Durham," starring Kevin Costner .

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comments 1-10 of 20  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Pamela G
    when i heard this on our news last night i was shocked. he's a local icon, 1 of those people who is 'larger than life', always in the news, being either interviewed or discussed. a genuine nice guy who never got a big head as his fame grew. such an amazing talent, he can never b replaced. he'll b sooo missed. :(
    report abuseposted May 2, 2009 8:52 AM PDT
  • DONALD H
    I am in shock! After trying to catch his show for years, I finally got to see him a couple of weeks ago. He was a magnificent performer and on target with so many of his voices and body movements. I had tears in my eyes by the end of his rendition of "What a Beautiful World". Danny is up there now with many of the performers that he memorialized in his act. Blessings to
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 3:29 PM PDT
  • Genesysss
    poor danny i live in vegas and never got a chance to see him. :(
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 2:47 PM PDT
  • Littledove O
    extremly sad.. very very sad . this is big loss . he was wonderful man . soo very sad we lost him..
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 2:44 PM PDT
  • We saw him a few years ago and he was fantastic. He will be missed. His show was for everyone! What I enjoyed is the whole show was him - no openers, etc.; his family is in my prayers.
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 2:19 PM PDT
  • kathy w
    wow so young ,,greatley missed by all,,,
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 1:50 PM PDT
  • Linda C
    What a shock to hear of Danny's passing! I still can't believe it. He was such a wonderful family man and I saw him on several occassions while in Vegas. I was blessed to have met and traveled with him and his wife Julie in the beginning of his career. What a wonderful man he was....he will surely be missed. Julie and family my heart goes out to you and you will all be in my
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 1:42 PM PDT
  • Regal Theater Goer for Many Years
    Oh My GOSH! He was so YOUNG! And VERY TALENTED!!!! He will be missed. R.I.P.
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 1:27 PM PDT
  • A.T
    I was lucky enought to see him when I was in Vegas 6 years ago and what a show!!! A true talent and will be greatly missed. Prayers out to his family at this difficult time. Way too young to go...
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 12:56 PM PDT
  • Sandi B
    This is truly one of the saddest days in Las Vegas history. They have lost one of their brightest stars and most generous humanitarians. We were neighbors for a few years and he was such a kind and friendly person. I will pray for his family. He had beautiful children and a lovely wife. I am so sorry.
    report abuseposted May 1, 2009 12:36 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 20  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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