Tributes to Danny Gans Begin To Pour In

[UPDATE: The national press may not care much, but the public seems to. As of noon today, "Danny Gans" was the eighth most-searched term on Google News and Gans' death is the 5th item to come up on Google's Blogsearch homepage.]

The national media may be largely indifferent to the sudden loss of Danny Gans -- here's my AFP wire piece on this but the rest of the national press has not taken an interest -- but Las Vegas is clearly in mourning today. Also, I'll be on Las Vegas One at 9 p.m. PT tonight with host Jeff Gillan to euologize Gans.

I'll keep adding to this post as more reactions become available.

From Donny & Marie: The unexpected passing of Danny Gans is such a shock to everyone here at the Donny & Marie show. He was not only our producer but also a good friend; we would routinely call him for advice and direction regarding our production. We've lost an amazing entertainer. His friendship, charisma and talent will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his wife, Julie and their 3 children, and our heartfelt condolences to our dear friend and partner, Danny's longtime manager Chip Lightman.

From Cher: "I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of such a unique and gifted talent."

From Celine Dion: "I'm very, very sad, and completely shocked to hear the news about Danny. Rene and I have loved him very much since the first time we saw him and met him at the Rio in 1997. Not only was he the best in his field, but he was such a kind and loving person. About a month before my last show at Caesars, Danny and his wife Julie, and their daughters came to see us. We talked and laughed for over an hour. I can't believe he's not with us anymore, and our heart goes out to his family. I wish them God's strength."

From Steve Wynn: "Elaine 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, his children Amy, Andrew & 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."

From Lance Burton, Monte Carlo headliner: "The news of Danny Gans’ passing is unbelievably shocking. Las Vegas has lost one of its best ambassadors. He was quite simply one of the greatest entertainers ever to step foot onto the stage. In my 27 years in Las Vegas, I have never seen anyone better. I first worked with Danny over 20 years ago in Palm Springs. President Gerald Ford was in the audience during the benefit at the Bob Hope Theater. As recently as last year I performed with Danny at a benefit show at the Mirage. He was a dear friend and I am profoundly sad today. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Julie, his children Amy, Andrew, Emily and his longtime friend and manager Chip Lightman."

From U.S. Sen. Harry Reid: "Danny Gans brought joy to the lives of the millions of Nevadans and tourists who came to Las Vegas to see his show. He was a talented performer who used his celebrity to give back to our community and those in need. Las Vegas is a better place because of Danny Gans. He will truly be missed."

From U.S. Sen. John Ensign: "Danny Gans was a talented entertainer and a valuable member of our community whose contributions to help those in need will be greatly missed. Darlene and I will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn such a sudden loss."