Vegas star Danny Gans dies suddenly at 52

LAS VEGAS, May 1 (UPI) -- Danny Gans, who was named "Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year" for 11 consecutive years, died early Friday, his manager said. Gans was 52.

The cause of death was immediately unknown, although the Las Vegas Review Journal reported Gans had apparently died in his sleep.

He is survived by his wife, Julie, and three children.

Gans billed himself as a "musical impressionist" who delighted audiences with his takes on legendary Strip entertainers. He was the top attraction at the Mirage for more than a dozen years until February when he moved to Encore, the new Wynn hotel-casino that opened late last year.

Steve Wynn, chairman and CEO of Wynn Enterprises, called Gans "a brilliant, talented and loving friend" in a statement issued to KLAS-TV in Las Vegas.

Gans' manager, Chip Lightman, said in a written statement, "Danny Gans will not only be remembered as a Las Vegas entertainer, but as a man who loved his family, loved God and loved the city of Las Vegas."