Las Vegas Strip performer Danny Gans died this morning at age 52.
Hotel spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne says Gans died early today at his home in Las Vegas.
Dunne calls the death sudden. She says she doesn't know details yet about how or why Gans died.
In a statement this morning, Steve Wynn said the death was unexpected and devastating.
"Elaine and I and all of us in the Company are devastated at the lost 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.
Gans 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.
The celebrity web site TMZ.com said it learned a 911 call was made by a family member at 3:44 a.m. today for a 52-year-old man who was "having trouble breathing." By the time medics arrived, Gans had already passed away.
I have probably seen Danny Gans about 5 or 6 times. The last time being March of 2008.
Never got tried of his show, and always added someone in his Act.
I'm a Big Mirage guy, and when I stay there in Aug. before this years Bash. It just won't be the same when I walk in there.
RIP Danny say Hello to Frank
Never got tried of his show, and always added someone in his Act.
I'm a Big Mirage guy, and when I stay there in Aug. before this years Bash. It just won't be the same when I walk in there.
RIP Danny say Hello to Frank
fml.
Here is the lastest Update......
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."
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."
Why do you like to tell such blatant lies ? You obviously have never met the Man ! I know him and his family and He always was a class act and was not a drinker. He was one of the most generous givers to many of the local charities in Las Vegas areas. Your post is ridiculous !
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/06/10/national/a173504D69.DTL
Findings in death of Danny Gans leave questions
By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
(06-10) 17:35 PDT LAS VEGAS (AP) --
Danny Gans' act came at you full speed with song, dance and impressions ranging from Joe Cocker to Sammy Davis Jr. and Kermit the Frog.
Crowds who packed the theater nightly to see one of the Las Vegas Strip's top performers could never tell what was coming next — or that the energetic performer was wracked by chronic pain that would contribute to his death.
"If he was in pain, he would just suck it up and go on with the show," Chip Lightman, Gans' longtime manager and friend, said Wednesday. "Dan wasn't a complainer."
On Tuesday, the Clark County coroner provided a peek behind the curtain with a declaration that Gans' unexpected death May 1 was accidental — resulting from a reaction to the powerful prescription painkiller hydromorphone.
"He was suffering from chronic pain syndrome," Coroner Mike Murphy said, ending weeks of speculation while an autopsy and toxicological tests were conducted.
Murphy blamed Gans' death on "acute hydromorphone toxicity," and said Gans also had hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a high blood pressure condition, and a condition called polycythemia that caused his red blood cell count to go up.
"This is not an issue of drug abuse," Murphy said, attributing Gans' death to the hydromorphone and "the combination of those issues."
Lightman, who said he spoke about the coroner's findings with Gans' widow, Julie, said he was stunned by the coroner's findings.
"I think Julie, like me and everyone else who knows Dan, is thinking, 'How could he be doing this with chronic pain?'" Lightman said. "But Danny was an athlete. He worked through it."
Lightman said he thought Gans avoided taking pain medications, fearing it would affect his vocal cords and his singing.
"I'm being haunted by the question that everyone else is," Lightman said. "Who gave him this prescription?"
Murphy and the medical examiner who conducted Gans' autopsy, Dr. Gary Telgenhoff, cited patient and family confidentiality in refusing to identify Gans' physicians or say how long the entertainer suffered from pain. He also would not say much hydromorphone was in Gans' system, or whether he took other medications.
Lightman said Julie Gans didn't know her husband had hydromorphone, which is commonly marketed under the trade name Dilaudid.
"Do I think he was taking it and doing the show?" Lightman added. "No, I don't know how he could've.
"All I can figure is he tweaked his shoulder or his back and he decided to take something," Lightman said. "It makes sense that he took something on a Thursday, a day off, knowing he didn't have to do a show until Friday night."
Gans' death at age 52 stopped a rising star a little more than 12 weeks into a headline gig at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino.
He didn't perform the night before his wife summoned paramedics to their sprawling, gate-guarded Henderson home with a report that Gans had trouble breathing and wouldn't wake up.
Dr. Mel Pohl, medical director of a Las Vegas drug abuse treatment center and author of two books on chronic pain recovery, called it "worrisome in retrospect" that Gans took a strong narcotic that could make him breathe more slowly if he had an existing heart condition and a low level of oxygen in his blood due to his polycythemia.
Alan Barbour, a forensic toxicology consultant in Fresno, Calif., said Gans' existing medical conditions could have made him less tolerant of the painkiller.
"A debilitated patient can be pushed over the edge by drug levels that wouldn't necessarily be harmful for someone in good health," he said.
___
Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey in Las Vegas contributed to this report.
Findings in death of Danny Gans leave questions
By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
(06-10) 17:35 PDT LAS VEGAS (AP) --
Danny Gans' act came at you full speed with song, dance and impressions ranging from Joe Cocker to Sammy Davis Jr. and Kermit the Frog.
Crowds who packed the theater nightly to see one of the Las Vegas Strip's top performers could never tell what was coming next — or that the energetic performer was wracked by chronic pain that would contribute to his death.
"If he was in pain, he would just suck it up and go on with the show," Chip Lightman, Gans' longtime manager and friend, said Wednesday. "Dan wasn't a complainer."
On Tuesday, the Clark County coroner provided a peek behind the curtain with a declaration that Gans' unexpected death May 1 was accidental — resulting from a reaction to the powerful prescription painkiller hydromorphone.
"He was suffering from chronic pain syndrome," Coroner Mike Murphy said, ending weeks of speculation while an autopsy and toxicological tests were conducted.
Murphy blamed Gans' death on "acute hydromorphone toxicity," and said Gans also had hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a high blood pressure condition, and a condition called polycythemia that caused his red blood cell count to go up.
"This is not an issue of drug abuse," Murphy said, attributing Gans' death to the hydromorphone and "the combination of those issues."
Lightman, who said he spoke about the coroner's findings with Gans' widow, Julie, said he was stunned by the coroner's findings.
"I think Julie, like me and everyone else who knows Dan, is thinking, 'How could he be doing this with chronic pain?'" Lightman said. "But Danny was an athlete. He worked through it."
Lightman said he thought Gans avoided taking pain medications, fearing it would affect his vocal cords and his singing.
"I'm being haunted by the question that everyone else is," Lightman said. "Who gave him this prescription?"
Murphy and the medical examiner who conducted Gans' autopsy, Dr. Gary Telgenhoff, cited patient and family confidentiality in refusing to identify Gans' physicians or say how long the entertainer suffered from pain. He also would not say much hydromorphone was in Gans' system, or whether he took other medications.
Lightman said Julie Gans didn't know her husband had hydromorphone, which is commonly marketed under the trade name Dilaudid.
"Do I think he was taking it and doing the show?" Lightman added. "No, I don't know how he could've.
"All I can figure is he tweaked his shoulder or his back and he decided to take something," Lightman said. "It makes sense that he took something on a Thursday, a day off, knowing he didn't have to do a show until Friday night."
Gans' death at age 52 stopped a rising star a little more than 12 weeks into a headline gig at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas hotel-casino.
He didn't perform the night before his wife summoned paramedics to their sprawling, gate-guarded Henderson home with a report that Gans had trouble breathing and wouldn't wake up.
Dr. Mel Pohl, medical director of a Las Vegas drug abuse treatment center and author of two books on chronic pain recovery, called it "worrisome in retrospect" that Gans took a strong narcotic that could make him breathe more slowly if he had an existing heart condition and a low level of oxygen in his blood due to his polycythemia.
Alan Barbour, a forensic toxicology consultant in Fresno, Calif., said Gans' existing medical conditions could have made him less tolerant of the painkiller.
"A debilitated patient can be pushed over the edge by drug levels that wouldn't necessarily be harmful for someone in good health," he said.
___
Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey in Las Vegas contributed to this report.
