Las Vegas Weekly

May 21, 2009 · 7:30 AM

Celebrities and VIPs to pay tribute to Danny Gans at memorial service today

By Robin Leach

Danny Gans is remembered on the Strip.

Photo: Denise Truscello

Although today’s memorial service for entertainer Danny Gans is described as a celebration of his life, there will still be a sadness that fills the air. There is still a sense of disbelief that the 52-year-old singer and impressionist who began a new headline run at Steve Wynn’s Encore Theater just four months ago is gone.

Paramedics were called to his Henderson home at 3:45 a.m. May 1 after his wife of 28 years, Julie, said that he’d stopped breathing in his sleep. Click HERE for our first reports of the tragedy earlier this month.

Among the speakers expected at today’s service will be Donny and Marie Osmond, who headline at the Flamingo in a show that was produced by Danny and his manager partner, Chip Lightman. Also expected to attend will be our Mayor Oscar Goodman, illusionist Criss Angel after his wax figure is unveiled across the street at Madame Tussauds in The Venetian, Steve Wynn and his estranged wife Elaine Wynn, fellow impressionist and Golden Nugget headliner Gordie Brown and husband-and-wife singers Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton.

Click HERE for my last interview with Danny when we talked at length just before his Feb. 6 premiere in his new Encore Theater.

There was an outpouring of love and sympathy from Strip showbiz stars when news of his unexpected death was learned:

Celine Dion said: “I'm very, very sad and completely shocked to hear the news about Danny. 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 also 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. I can’t believe he’s not with us anymore, and our heart goes out to his family. I wish them God’s strength.”

Terry Fator, who took over Danny’s theater at The Mirage, told me: “I looked up to him the entire time I was trying to get work in Vegas. He was my inspiration. I dreamed the same goal he dreamed for himself. I marveled at what he achieved and just set myself a little of what he meant to Las Vegas. Danny Gans will be missed greatly -- and for the rest of my time here.”

Master magician and Monte Carlo headliner Lance Burton commented: “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. I first worked with Danny over 20 years ago in Palm Springs. President Gerald Ford was in the audience during the benefit at the Bob Hope Theater. As recently as last year, I performed with Danny at a benefit show at The Mirage. He was a dear friend, and I am profoundly sad today. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Julie, his children Amy, Andrew and Emily and his longtime friend and manager Chip Lightman.”

Hilton headliner Barry Manilow added: “The lights of Las Vegas will forever be dimmer without Danny Gans. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Caesars Palace headliner Cher noted: “I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of such a unique and gifted talent.”

We’ll be at today’s 3 p.m. memorial service and will talk discreetly with the stars about Danny and the community’s loss for our Vegas DeLuxe report tomorrow.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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