R.I.P.
Danny Gans Dies

Danny GansDanny Gans died early this morning, after a family member called 911 to say Danny was having trouble breathing. By the time paramedics arrived, he was dead.

A ticket rep at Steve Wynn's Encore hotel tells us they just got the call and the entire staff is "shocked and upset."

Gans is a legend in Las Vegas -- the self described "musical impressionist" signed a $150 million contract in 2000.

We're told Gans died at 3:00 AM at his home in Vegas. There are reports his wife discovered his body and called for help.

Gans was named "Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year" a record 11 times in a row. He did not perform last night.

Besides being a gifted entertainer, Gans was a pretty good athlete -- in fact, he was drafted by the KC Royals out of high school and played minor league ball.

UPDATE: TMZ has learned a 911 call was made by a family member at 3:44 AM for a 52-year-old man who was "having trouble breathing." By the time medics arrived, Gans had already passed away.

UPDATE: TMZ received the following statement from The Mirage, where Gans performed for years: "All of us in The Mirage family are deeply saddened to learn of Danny's passing. We all knew of his devotion to his family and our hearts and prayers are with his wife and children."

UPDATE
: Sources tell TMZ an autopsy will be performed by tomorrow. Results will be given when toxicology reports come back.

Story developing ...

Danny Gans - Launch PhotosDanny Gans video

Tags: danny gans, DannyGans, dead, dies, encore hotel, EncoreHotel, las vegas, LasVegas, magician, steve wynn, SteveWynn

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Reader Comments

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1. Who is he?

Posted at 10:42AM on May 1st 2009 by Sheena

2. I have no clue who he is.

Posted at 10:43AM on May 1st 2009 by Sheena

3. first

Posted at 10:43AM on May 1st 2009 by Blake

4. Who is he?

Posted at 10:44AM on May 1st 2009 by Purelite

5. We are all sadden by this news, may his family and staff be in our prayers.

Posted at 1:39PM on May 1st 2009 by Tim

6. Holy Smokes! Saw in in Vegas -- he was hilarioius! RIP.

Posted at 10:44AM on May 1st 2009 by Karen

7. Not to be rude but WHO? I googled his name and I see he is a Vegas regular...but again who is he? I have never heard of him...

Posted at 10:46AM on May 1st 2009 by what

8. I live in Vegas, he is a big star and a very popular show. Its shocking.

Posted at 11:09AM on May 1st 2009 by Jerry

9. I HAVE TICKETS TO SEE HIM THIS COMING WED NIGHT. HE WAS A COMEDIAN IN LAS VEGAS. ONE OF THE BEST IMPRESSIONISTS AS WELL. CRAZY HE JUST DIED.

Posted at 10:47AM on May 1st 2009 by ROD

10. Who?? well.. sorry for your loss, those who knew him.

Posted at 10:49AM on May 1st 2009 by Obama Rulz

11. Sorry to hear that. I don't know much about Danny Gans, but his ubiquitous marketing presence in Las Vegas reflects a very hardworking, likely quite talented, person.

Posted at 10:51AM on May 1st 2009 by Alan

12. I can't believe he has died!! I never knew who he was either until I saw him on Larry King not TOO long ago - he was hilarious....WOW this is a total shock. Are they even saying how he DIED?

Posted at 10:53AM on May 1st 2009 by Helena

13. Are you kidding me? He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. I 've seen him twice in Vegas and he is incredible. Voices, music, impersonations, he did it all. He will be truly missed.

Posted at 10:56AM on May 1st 2009 by Linda Cripe

14. Danny Gans is the best performer ever. We saw him 7 times. My prayers go out to his family
Shirlee

Posted at 10:56AM on May 1st 2009 by shirlee

15. oh my gosh, I live in Vegas, and he has won Entertainer of the Year 11 years in a row. so sad :(

Posted at 10:56AM on May 1st 2009 by Kelsey

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