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Born Name:
Danny Davies Gans
Born Date:
October 25, 1956
Born Place:
Los Angeles, California
Died Date:
May 1, 2009
Died Place:
Henderson, Nevada
Occupations:
Singer, comedian, vocal impressionist
Brief Biography:
Danny Gans was one of the most successful entertainers in Las Vegas history. Billed as "The Man of Many Voices," he was renowned for his uncanny ability to shift seamlessly between dozens of celebrity impressions during a single show.
Early Life and Baseball Career:
Athletic Dream: He was an All-American baseball player at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Pro Career: Drafted by the Chicago White Sox and played in their minor league system.
The Pivot: A severe Achilles tendon injury abruptly ended his sports career.
Hollywood Cameo: He played third baseman "Deke" in the 1988 film Bull Durham.
Rise to Stardom:
The Hustle: He began performing clean, family-friendly comedy and impressions at corporate events.
Broadway Stint: In 1995, he performed a short-lived one-man show on Broadway.
Vegas Breakthrough: He moved to Las Vegas to be closer to his family, starting at the Stratosphere in 1996.
Vegas Royalty: He rapidly climbed the casino hierarchy, moving to the Rio and then to a custom-built theater at The Mirage.
The Peak: He commanded massive audiences and became one of the first solo headliners to command a $100 ticket in the city.
Legacy:
Accolades: Named Las Vegas "Entertainer of the Year" for 11 consecutive years.
Character: He was a devoted family man and a deeply committed born-again Christian who raised millions for local charities.
Recent Tribute: His life and career are celebrated in the documentary Voices: The Danny Gans Story, directed by his son Andrew.