Sin City performer extraordinaire Danny Gans—relatively unknown outside of Las Vegas, but a megastar on the Strip—died in his sleep early this morning at the age of 52. His cause of death was not immediately known.
Henderson Police Dept. spokesman Todd Ramussen told E! News that they were called to Gans' home at 3:45 a.m. by a family member who said he was "having difficulty breathing."
"We dispatched police and paramedics. They both arrived at about the same time. Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. We are conducting a death investigation."
While Gans began his career as a pro baseball player, eventually nabbing a bit part in Bull Durham, he has been a Vegas mainstay since 1996 and, befitting his stature, had the honor of possessing the largest freestanding marquee in the world.
Last year the headliner, who described himself as a "musical impressionist," capped off 11 straight wins as Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year, and in February moved his routinely sold-out Mirage show to his own theater at Steve Wynn's Encore.
"Elaine and I and all of us in the company are devastated at the loss of our brilliant, talented and loving friend," Wynn said in a statement. "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, 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."
