Vegas Legend Gans Dead At 52

The singer and comedian's wife found the star struggling to breathe in the early hours of Friday (01May09) and called in the emergency services. But Gans was dead by the time paramedics arrived, reports TMZ.com. He was 52.

The self-styled "musical impressionist" moved to the Las Vegas Strip in 1996 and became one of the gambling mecca's most popular performers.

Establishing himself as The Man of Many Voices, Gans was a Sin City staple, holding residencies at the Rio Hotel and The Mirage, where he signed a $150 million (£103 million) deal in 2000. He had the Danny Gans Theatre built in his name, but switched venues again earlier this year (09), moving to Steve Wynn's Encore hotel, where he debuted his new show in February (09).

He enjoyed huge success throughout his career and was named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year a record-breaking 11 times in a row.

Leading the tributes to Gans, casino and hotel mogul Wynn says, "My wife and I and all of us in the company are devastated at the loss of our brilliant, talented and loving friend.

"One of the most unique human beings and entertainers in the world has been taken from us in an unexpected moment. A profoundly tragic event that leaves us all sad and speechless.

"The loss of Danny to his wife Julie (and) his children Amy, Andrew and Emily is at this moment impossible to comprehend. We will all try to go on with our lives without our dear friend. At this moment it seems almost impossible."