The entertainer was found dead at his home early Friday at 3 a.m. by his wife Julie.
Cause of death
The cause of death is not yet known, but a report from Associated Press claims that Gans had died while sleeping. The Henderson Police Department does not suspect foul play.
According to the AP report, a family member claimed Gans was having trouble breathing. He placed a call to 911 early Friday morning, but by the time help arrived, he was already dead.
Lightman expressed his shock at Gans' passing. "The guy was healthy as an ox," local affiliate FOX5 in Las Vegas quoted Lightman as saying. "I spoke to Steve Wynn several times this morning and both of us were shocked. I was with Danny the day before yesterday. Healthy as an ox. I mean, all he ate was egg whites and spinach and worked out religiously.”
He is survived by his wife and three children- Amy, Andrew and Emily.
Tributes from entertainment fraternity
Several celebrities from entertainment community expressed their sadness over the death of the legendary entertainer.
Calling him "a great friend", Hollywood's own Wayne Newton said: "I would like to extend my sympathy to Danny's wife and family."
Expressing hi grief in a statement released to "Extra," Newton added, "Danny was an immense talent and a great friend. He brought so much to Las Vegas, both on and off 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."
"I'm very, very sad," said Celine Dion. "Not only was he the best in his field, but he was such a kind and loving person. ... I can't believe he's not with us anymore, and our heart goes out to his family."
Danny Gans – career highlights
Known as the “Man of Many Voices," Gans was a master of impressions who impersonated many celebrities, including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and many others. He was a former minor league baseball player who turned to performing after an injury sidelined him.
Gans began performing in Las Vegas in 1996, when he landed a three-month gig at the Stratosphere Hotel. Subsequently, he had shows at the Mirage Hotel (in 2000) and the Encore Theater at Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas Hotel (in 2009).
Before moving to Las Vegas, Gans appeared as a player in the 1988 baseball-themed movie "Bull Durham" and found success in his 1995 one-man show in New York. He also made appearances on television, in series and commercials.
A graduate of Cal Poly, Gans was voted as Vegas' "Entertainer of the Year" 11 times.
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