If you visited Las Vegas anytime in the lat 1990’s or early 2000’s, you not only know the name Danny Gans, but very likely saw the legend perform. The 12-time Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year was a staple on the Vegas strip, captivating audiences of all ages with his celebrity impressions, vocal range, comical jokes and dance moves. While Gans spent many years bringing joy to thousands his time on stage was cut short, when he passed away at only 52. The beautiful gift that he shared with so many robbed him of his own life. In the documentary, Voices: The Danny Gans Story, Danny’s son Andrew takes us behind the curtain into the life of a man who shared his heart and soul with audiences nightly. The documentary premiered in Los Angeles on June 20, 2025, at the Dances with Films film festival to a multi-minute long standing ovation, and not a dry eye in the house.
In many ways, Andrew Gans has followed in his father’s footsteps. Both played baseball, with goals to go pro, both suffered career-ending injuries, and both made a pivot to the entertainment industry when the sports dream died. While Andrew’s pivot may have been more logical, as he grew up around the world of entertainment, Danny’s was a stretch from the norm. Danny’s father, who had extremely high expectations for his son softened when they saw Sammy Davis Jr. perform, telling his son “this is what you were born to do.” One night watching a Rat Pack legend perform inspired Danny to share his own musical and comedic talents with the world. He started performing in smaller venues around the country, building his variety show, which would eventually land him in Las Vegas. Being in one place to perform would allow him more family time – at least that was the goal.
In almost every legend’s story, there is tragedy. This documentary shares the highest highs of Danny’s life, and the lowest lows. His kids sadly didn’t get as much time with him in Las Vegas, as their schedules were opposite and they were often just ships passing in the night. Before their father was taken from their lives too soon, he poured everything he had into making sure the people who came to see his show had the best experience.
Danny performed at several venues during his Vegas reign and had just embarked on a journey to perform his most magical show yet, when he was dealth a difficult hand. While the audience saw joy, energy and enthusiasm every night, after the beloved performer exited the stage, reality set in. Impersonating hundreds of other talented people took a physical toll on Danny. In the end, it was too much for his body.
His children believed Danny feared his dream of performing could easily be taken from, and sadly it was, in an instant, just like his professional baseball career. But he went out on top. Voices: The Danny Gans Story celebrates his accomplishments, inspires dreamers, gives caution to dealing with chronic pain, and most notable of all, helped his son accomplish one of his goals – getting to know his father better. Through interviewing Danny’s friends, fellow performers and comedians, Andrew got to ask some of the questions he was never able to ask his dad directly. Andrew Gans said the biggest thing he learned about his dad creating this documentary was how resilient he was. “His work ethic and his drive. Our greatest strengths though can become our greatest weaknesses, our downfall.” Andrew’s favorite impression his father did was that of Sammy Davis Jr. singing Mr. Bojangles. “Sammy was his inspiration and shaped him as an entertainer. I could see his love and enthusiasm when performed that song.” Danny Gans was a performer through and through, putting on thousands of incredible shows, leaving a legacy on Las Vegas, his fans, and his family.
Danny Gans was known as the man of many voices, but this film allows his own voice to shine through. The title, VOICES is also about all the voices who influence our lives. Any lover of nostalgic Las Vegas will connect with this documentary. Just like Danny did in his shows, VOICES gives a glimpse of the history and grandeur of Vegas. You’ll wish you could run right out and buy a ticket to see Danny Gans perform.
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