Gans clan wows at Hall of Fame event

” This year the Nevada Entertainer/Artist Hall of Fame moved from Ham Hall to the UNLV Student Union ballroom. It’s was a wise move, given that the audience in past years rattled around cavernous Ham Hall, and those attending had little chance to interact (unless you count tweeting from your seat).

This event, attended by about 250 guests, has become a highlight of the year’s event calendar, mostly for its appeal to people who actually live in Las Vegas. Seated at my table were eight individuals, four of whom were Las Vegas natives — and had never met. You’d think that, at some point, Las Vegas News Bureau Curator and Liberace Foundation board member Brian Paco Alvarez would have been introduced to KSNV Channel 3 entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs. But not until Thursday’s program.

Honored were the late Danny Gans, the brilliant interior designer Roger Thomas, Rainbow Company Youth Theatre and architect Thomas J. Schoeman (who was awarded the first Dean’s Medal for his contributions to the university). A tribute film montage for Tony Curtis, who died in September, also was played for the audience.

Gans’ award was accepted by his son Andrew and daughter Amy. After a recorded tribute to the celebrated comic/impressionist was played on the room’s video panels, Andrew stepped to the mic, his voice halting, and said, “They always show the video before (the speech).” Andrew Gans is 21 years old and stands about 6-foot-3. As College of Fine Arts Dean Jeffrey Koep said, in reference to Danny Gans’ baseball career, “Andrew looks like a baseball player.” A pitcher, likely. The younger Gans also looks like he can dunk a basketball in street clothes.

I’d not met any of the Gans children until Thursday, and Andrew’s strong handshake and fast smile reminded me so much of his father. UNLV’s decision to honor Gans and invite his family to the event was absolutely the right call.”

To read the entire article, click here to visit The Las Vegas Sun.

Danny with his family on Christmas Eve, 2008

]]> http://www.dannygans.com/2010/12/a-very-merry-christmas-from-our-family-to-yours/feed/ 1 http://www.dannygans.com/2010/05/thank-you-for-remembering-danny/ http://www.dannygans.com/2010/05/thank-you-for-remembering-danny/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 20:28:00 +0000 admin http://www.dannygans.com/?p=662 The family is truly touched by your kind emails, blogs and notes that have been received from around the world remembering Danny and supporting us at this time. We are excited about the upcoming DVD, yet ever mindful of the magnitude of our loss and to that of his fans everywhere. We thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Please keep in touch.

-Julie, Amy, Andrew & Emily Gans

This photo is one of many happy times the family spent together.  This one was taken at Pebble Beach where Danny played in 2008.  The family joined the gallery and walked the course cheering all the way. What a thrill for us and for Danny. He loved golf and was honored to have been asked to play in such an illustrious tournament. The picture also includes our nephew, Matthew who joined us for the fun times. A great time was had by all as Danny played the game he loved so much. He never made the final cut, but he had a great time trying!

Danny Gans put his whole heart into everything that he did, always giving 100% effort. This was reflected in his family life, faith, charity work, community service and his masterful work on stage.

Please take an opportunity and share your special or favorite Danny Gans memory with us.

Merry Christmas 2009 and Happy New Year 2010 to all Danny’s fans, our friends and family.

Health Happiness and Blessings to all!!!

The Danny Gans Family
-Julie, Amy, Andrew and Emily