Las Vegas Star Danny Gans Dead at 52

Who? If you haven't been to Las Vegas in the past 15 years or so you could be forgiven for not knowing the name of Danny Gans. When we went to Vegas in 2000 I saw a huge sign outside the Mirage with Gans' picture and name as the headliner and had never heard of him. He was a huge star in the city, but largely unknown outside of Clark County:

Las Vegas Strip performer Danny Gans died this morning at age 52.

Hotel spokeswoman Jennifer Dunne says Gans died early today at his Las Vegas-area home.

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 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.

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.

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.”

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.

"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.

Last July my wife and I saw Spamalot at the Wynn during the last week of its run. As soon as the show closed that theater underwent a complete remodel to make way for Gans to move his show across the street from The Mirage. I never saw his show, but his face on the big Strip marquee was as familiar to us as any of the hotels.