Andrew Davies Gans has created a personal tribute to his late father, iconic entertainer Danny Gans, through his documentary titled “Voices: The Danny Gans Story.”
The film is set to premiere on June 20 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood during the 28th Annual Dances With Films festival.
Danny Gans, who passed away on May 1, 2009, was known as “The Man of Many Voices,” captivating audiences in Las Vegas for over two decades with his remarkable impressions.
His career began at the Stratosphere in 1996, later transitioning to the Rio and then to his own custom-designed theater at The Mirage. Eventually, he performed at the Encore Theater at the Wynn.
Despite his immense popularity, Andrew Gans felt that his father’s contributions to the entertainment world had not been recognized appropriately, both in Las Vegas and beyond.
“I wanted the film to be something to honor my dad’s legacy, to tell his story, because I felt like it was very inspiring,” Gans shared in a phone chat from his home in Atlanta.
The documentary took six years to create and reflects Andrew Gans’ personal growth as he navigated life milestones, including marrying his wife, Taylyr, and welcoming two children into the world, 18-month-old Charlotte and 6-month-old Oliver.
Initially conceived as a revival of Gans’ career, the project evolved into a deeper exploration of his father’s life and what it means to be his son.
Andrew Gans was only 19 when his father passed away, and in making the documentary, he sought to learn more about who Danny Gans was—both as a performer and as a family man.
He delves into the complexities of his father’s identity as a husband, father, and businessman, gaining a greater appreciation for his work ethic and dedication.
“To see the work ethic that he had and the dedication that he put into his career and his family, the sacrifices he made, really gave me a new perspective,” Andrew Gans reflected.
The film incorporates interviews with various figures from the entertainment industry, including Donny Osmond, Tony Orlando, and Terry Fator, alongside memories from backing musicians and longtime manager Chip Lightman.
However, the passage of time has taken a toll, and some of the notable figures Andrew interviewed, including comic Louie Anderson and columnist Norm Clarke, have since passed away.
As Andrew Gans explored his father’s journey, he also faced the realities of chronic pain due to injuries sustained during performances, which Danny Gans often pushed through.
Gans’ baseball career in the minor leagues with the White Sox was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon, a fate shared by his son, who was drafted by Tampa Bay out of high school but suffered multiple shoulder injuries.
Throughout his career in Las Vegas, Danny Gans performed despite physical pain from various health issues, ultimately affecting his ability to continue performing.
“I learned a lot about chronic pain in the making of this film,” Andrew Gans shared, acknowledging his father’s struggles with injuries and how they impacted his career and life.
Tragically, Danny Gans’ health issues forced him to cancel performances, diminishing the memory of his successful shows across various venues in Las Vegas.
Andrew Gans expressed sorrow over the lack of a permanent tribute to his father’s legacy in Las Vegas, saying, “There is no Danny Gans Boulevard or Danny Gans statue anywhere in the city.”
Having witnessed his father’s significant accomplishments, Andrew believes it is a shame that such tributes do not exist, and he hopes that his film will contribute to filling this void in honoring Danny Gans.
In related news, Rod Stewart has canceled all his scheduled performances at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace this month due to ongoing recovery from the flu.
Stewart announced his cancellation on social media, expressing his devastation and apologizing for the inconvenience to fans.
Originally, he had called off a performance scheduled for Sunday night, with additional shows canceled shortly thereafter.
The legendary singer, who began his Colosseum run in 2011, will seek to reschedule his June shows, which include performances through June 14.
He is slated to conclude his time at the Colosseum with six final shows from September 24 through October 4.
The premiere of “Voices: The Danny Gans Story” not only serves as a tribute to a beloved performer but also highlights the personal journey of his son in understanding and honoring his father’s legacy.
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