Danny Gans
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| Danny Gans | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 25, 1956 Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Died | May 1, 2009 (aged 52) Henderson, Nevada, USA |
| Medium | Stand-up comedy, theater |
| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1995-2009 |
| Genres | Impressionist |
| Subject(s) | Impersonations |
| Website | dannygans.com |
Danny Gans (October 25, 1956 - May 1, 2009) was an American singer and comedian who found success as a musical impressionist. In 1992, he played Dean Martin in the CBS miniseries Sinatra.
Career
Gans was a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding area for many years, where he was billed as "The Man of Many Voices". He had been named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year, and his production had also been awarded Show of the Year. Despite being the recipient of these awards, the public at large still fail to realize who Danny Gans actually was.
At one time, Gans was a professional baseball player, and later held a small role as a third baseman in the film Bull Durham. After an injury ended his sporting career, Gans turned to the entertainment industry. Gans began his career on the road, performing mostly at private corporate functions.
In 1995, he moved to Broadway to perform a well-received one-man show, but later decided to move to Las Vegas to reduce time away from his family, who lived in Los Angeles.
Gans started his Las Vegas stay at the Stratosphere Hotel in 1996. He moved to the Rio Hotel shortly thereafter, and then on to The Mirage in 2000.[citation needed] Gans was a permanent performer at The Mirage, where the Danny Gans Theatre was built for him.
In early 2009, Gans changed venues again, and performed at Encore, the sister property to Wynn Las Vegas.[1] The Las Vegas Strip marquee now bearing Danny Gans' image is the largest freestanding marquee in the world. [citation needed]
His inaugural album, produced by contemporary Christian music legend Michael Omartian, was cross-marketed in both the pop and Christian music genres, and sold in both mainstream and Christian music outlets, in much the same manner as Amy Grant.
In April 2007, a delegation of Kentucky Colonels went to Las Vegas and presented him with the Kentucky Colonel award.
Film history
Gans had been noted many times for his role in Bull Durham, although his part in the movie was ultimately cut. He used this role as an addition to his resume, even going on Roy Firestone's show and promoting the role while holding a picture of himself from the movie to prove that he was in fact in it.
Death
On Friday, May 1, 2009, Gans died unexpectedly at his home in Henderson, Nevada. He complained of shortness of breath around 3:30 a.m., but by the time the paramedics arrived, Gans had already died. He was 52 years old. His last show opened on February 10, 2009. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Family
He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three children, Amy, Andrew and Emily.