Danny Gans death house sold

The mansion in which Danny Gans died has been sold, cutting another tie between the family of the late Las Vegas superstar and the city with which he'd been identified for more than a decade.

Coldwell Bankers announced that the lavish estate owned by Gans and his wife Julie was sold quietly this week to a couple from California. Reports say they paid about $9 million for the 9,400-square-foot French-chateau styled main residence on 2.57 acres in Roma Hills in neighboring Henderson, Nevada.

Gans designed the estate, which includes a guest house house, built atop of basement garage in which Gans kept his collection of 20 cars.


Coldwell coordinated the estate sale in conjunction with the auction of a dozen of Gans’ cars and bikes by the Barrett-Jackson auctioneers (the lot fetched about half a million dollars).

Gans' wife and three kids pulled up stakes and moved to the Los Angeles area shortly after Julie Gans called 911 to report she'd found the superstar musical impressionist was found dead in his bedroom in the early hours of May 1, 2009. The charitable, athletic Born Again Christian and family man overdosed on hydromorphone, a powerful opiate sold as Dilaudid and known on the streets as "drug store heroin."

Where's Jerry? Read the MDA press release

WORLD’S TOP TELETHON EMBRACES SHORTER FORMAT
TO INCREASE AUDIENCE AND INCOME

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 6, 2010 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced an important change to its perennial Labor Day Telethon, which for 45 years has galvanized tremendous public support for MDA’s lifesaving mission. The Association will shave more than 15 hours off its previous 21½-hour Telethon format. The move is central to a strategy to increase audience for and income from its 2011 Labor Day telecast. The 2010 Telethon raised $58.9 million.

“Ever since pioneering the Telethon as a fundraising, education and sponsor-recognition program, MDA has enjoyed unparalleled support from television and cable stations across America,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA president & CEO and Telethon executive producer. “Our ‘Love Network’ of some 170 stations annually helps us reach an audience of some 40 million Americans. The stations’ efforts, and those of our national, regional and local sponsors, have been truly outstanding.

“What we’re doing now has amazing potential,” Weinberg added. “The shorter format means every hour of our show will be in the extended prime-time window of 6 p.m. to midnight in every time zone. This means our live, or tape-delayed Sunday broadcast with live local segments, will be even more attractive to stations that otherwise primarily would be running repeats from last season. The talent we’ll be attracting will be even bigger, since every moment of our prime-time show will have a tremendous audience.”

With its unrivaled Telethon track record, the Association could very well experience a net gain in total markets reached by its venerable show in 2011. There are more than 1,200 television stations serving communities across America, and it should be much easier for stations to clear six broadcast hours for proven live programming, than it has been to clear nearly two days of programming for the Telethon.

Weinberg explained, “The combination of buzz surrounding the new MDA Labor Day Telethon, and the tremendous good will that stations, on-air personalities and sponsors have consistently enjoyed by partnering with MDA, are a powerful combination. That’s why we’re so optimistic about the new show’s ability to increase audience reached and income in 2011.”

“There’s nothing like our Telethon,” noted Lee Miller, longtime Telethon producer. “In 2010, some 65 top acts performed, including some amazing production numbers by Tyce Diorio of “So You Think You Can Dance” as well as top Broadway and Las Vegas show segments. Our 2011 prime-time focus should make it easier to fill every moment of the show with the best headline entertainment.”

Rich MDA Telethon History

Over the years, countless megastars have appeared on the Telethon to help families affected by muscular dystrophy. And the surprise Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis reunion organized by Frank Sinatra still is one of the 10 best television moments of all time.

The who’s who of historical MDA Telethon appearances by contemporary stars includes: Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy, Martin Short, Adam Sandler, Nigel Lythgoe, Nancy O’Dell, Donald Trump, Neil Patrick Harris, Larry King, Jimmy Fallon, William Shatner, Alison Sweeney, Wayne Brady, Drew Carey, Regis Philbin, Dr. Phil, Howie Mandel, Jason Alexander, Jann Carl, Woody Harrelson, Billy Crystal, Alan Alda, Tom Arnold, Terry Fator, Carrot Top, Martha Stewart, Bill Cosby and Don Francisco of “Sabado Gigante.”

Consider contemporary musical acts, too, and it’s easy to see why the MDA Telethon is so much a part of Americana. The Telethon audience has enjoyed Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Clint Black, Cher, David Archuleta, John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, Gloria Estefan, Enrique Iglesias, Train, Aretha Franklin, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Elton John, Wynnona Judd, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Paul McCartney, Mindy McCready, John Mellencamp, Reba McEntire, Carlos Santana, LeAnn Rimes, Tom Petty, Dolly Parton, Sugarland, Spice Girls, Stevie Wonder, Donny and Marie Osmond, Clay Aiken, Chicago, KISS, Jon Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Tracy Lawrence, Billy Ray Cyrus, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and the Rolling Stones. Even the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, performed on the MDA Telethon.

About MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association pioneered cause-related marketing decades ago, and annually orchestrates thousands of special events in communities across America with the help of outstanding local, multiregional and national sponsors. The first organization with a national Telethon, MDA also is the first nonprofit to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association (“for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity”).

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

Chip Lightman's lawsuit calls Donny Osmond "underhanded, devious, fraudulent and greedy"

Chip Lightman knows how to hit Donny Osmond where it hurts: smack in the middle of his squeaky-clean Mormon image.

Lightman, who made his reputation as manager and sidekick to the late local superstar Danny Gans, filed suit against the wholesome entertainer last week after Osmond announced he was dropping Lightman as producer of the Donny & Marie show at the Flamingo (Lightman and Gans-- who died suddenly in May 2009--brought the brother-sister act to the Flamingo, in effect reviving their careers, two years ago, producing the show under the Ganslight banner).


Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Lightman's suit claims Donny Osmond was "underhanded, devious, fraudulent and greedy," out to "line his own pockets with ill-gotten gains to fund his lavish lifestyle of exotic cars, luxury hotel suites and private jets," and acted in ways that are "contrary to the wholesome, all-American, good-natured image that he presents to the public."

"The lawsuit claims that Osmond conspired to cut Lightman and the William Morris Agency out of a Flamingo contract extension through 2012, and claims Donny threatened not to perform beyond next week if "the Flamingo did not terminate any and all agreements" with Lightman.

"The suit alleges that '(d)ue to the declining economy, poor investments and his extravagant lifestyle," Donny "lived paycheck to paycheck scraping by to cover his own expenses.' That, Lightman alleges, motivated him to try to cut costs and commissions.

"The Osmonds' attorney, Howard King, said Wednesday he had not seen the complaint to comment on specifics. But he wrote in an e-mail, 'Of course, we are surprised and disappointed that Mr. Lightman took such precipitous action, especially in light of the substantial sums he has been paid, despite the facts that he neither created, financed or owns the show, nor does he engage the 48 talented and dedicated people who produce and perform the show each night.'"

Weatherford reports that the lawsuit claims the Osmonds each had a base salary of $1.6 million, plus 40 percent of gross box office receipts over $250,000, and that the Flamingo obtained life insurance policies for both Donny and Marie in the amount of $5 million each.

He also points out that Gans stopped working with Lightman from 2004 through early 2008, but reconciled.

Donny Osmond spoke at Danny Gans' memorial service and is set to host the Danny Gans Memorial Champions Run for Life in nearby Henderson on Saturday.

(Mike Weatherford's also got a good joke buried in the story, so check it out here.)

Steve Friess rips off our Pete Rose story

Las Vegas blogger, New York Times stringer, Gay Vegas author, concert promoter and comp queen Steve Friess, always hustling for an article idea, has found his latest inspiration here at TabloidBaby.com.

Yes, the media figure who attacked us publicly and attempted to have this site shut down because we asked for answers about the mysterious and untimely death of local superstar Danny Gans (and later joined with local media friends to misdirect the investigation), has ripped off one of our exclusive stories for his latest space-filler in the Las Vegas Weekly.

The (self-proclaimed) Friesster has a story in this week's Weekly about baseball legend Pete Rose earning money by signing autographs in the Forum Shops mall at Caesars Palace. The article, apparently jammed out so he'd have something in the can while he was on a vacation road trip, echoes our exclusive July 18th post, Pete Rose in Hell, which revealed that the disgraced baseball great, banned from the game for his gambling, was earning bucks signing autographs in a Las Vegas casino mall.

Friess, who often accuses us of "stealing" when we run his photo (and who this week filched a TMZ shot of Paris Hilton's arrest for his blogsite), didn't even offer us a tip of the hat!

Naughty, naughty!

Las Vegas Review-Journal finds Paris Hilton coke bust more newsworthy than the death of Danny Gans

Editor Thomas "McCloud" Mitchell and the gang at the Las Vegas Review-Journal must be proud this morning. A look at their website and a scan of their archives reveal that they've posted more stories about Paris Hilton's cocaine arrest in the past three days than they'd posted about local superstar Danny Gans in the three days after his sudden, shocking and untimely death.


Las Vegas Review-Journal on the arrest of Paris Hilton:

No special treatment for Paris Hilton, police say
Posted 08/28/2010

'Vapor trail' leads to Strip arrest of Paris Hilton, nightclub mogul Waits
Posted 08/28/2010

Arrest report states Hilton had rolling papers, prescription pill
Posted 08/30/2010

PARIS HILTON -- A LITTLE FREAKED
Posted 08/30/2010

PHOTOS OF PARIS HILTON'S ARREST
Posted 08/28/2010

PARIS HILTON HOURS BEFORE ARREST
Posted 08/29/2010

Club operator on up-and-down ride
Posted 08/29/2010

RJtv FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL and FOLLOWING THE PARIS HILTON CASE
Posted 08/30/2010

Las Vegas Review-Journal on the death of Danny Gans:

May 4, 2009 Gans friends share feelings, memories

May 3, 2009 Gans has final word in life story

May 3, 2009 Gans looked ahead

May 3, 2009 WEEK IN REVIEW: Top News The deaths of two local icons, both in their early 50s, bracketed a sorrowful week for Las Vegas.

May 2, 2009 Gans'final act leaves mystery

May 2, 2009 CELEBRITY MEMORIES

May 2, 2009 'He can't be replaced'

Danny Gans' garage emptied for auction

The family of the late Las Vegas superstar Danny Gans is selling off the entertainer's car collection.

Ten vehicles owned by the The Man of Many Voices, who died suddenly in May 2009, will cross the block during the Third Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction, which runs from September 23rd through 25. The Gans fleet will be sold during a SPEED television broadcast billed "as a tribute to the memory of the Las Vegas icon."

Steve Davis, Barrett-Jackson president, says: "Danny was a renaissance man blessed with many talents. His career, which spanned professional sports, music, comedy and theater, endeared him to fans of all ages and backgrounds worldwide. We're honored that his family would ask Barrett-Jackson to share his love of car collecting with the world. His amazing collection will be the cornerstone of our event in the City of Lights, which he loved as much as he enjoyed performing for his fans.

"Danny's collection was as multi-faceted as the man himself. Like many collectors, he sought a variety of cars, ranging from Resto-Mod versions of those he wanted as a young man to late model iron that caught his eye. Each was personalized, driven by him and bears a memorable license plate.

"The cars were meticulously maintained and Danny often drove them to work. Not only are they wonderful collectibles, they're a piece of Vegas history with celebrity provenance."

The news release announcing the auction also includes quotes from Gans' three children.


Gans' son Andrew:

"Talking about cars and helping my dad bring them to life was always something I looked forward to while growing up. He loved the hobby and relished every nut, bolt, motor and paint job. Even selecting a license plate was important him. His cars were more than sheets of metal, rubber and glass. Each was a cherished work of art and he was the artist who made sure every detail was refined and exact. When the cars were finished, he and I would take the first ride together."

Daughter Amy:

"While my mother designed our house, there was no doubt the garage belonged to my dad. He wanted it to reflect the 1930s and 40s era. My dad carefully planned every inch to reflect the passion he had for his collection. Once the garage door opened you were immediately drawn in and treated to a piece of automotive history and in every direction you would look, you were taken to a new destination. Now, the cars will go into the garages of those who want to celebrate his life, as well as cherish the cars he loved so passionately."

And youngest child Emily:

"I'm glad that our family is working with the Barrett-Jackson team to showcase my dad's precious car collection. Barrett-Jackson attracts collectors who love cars as much as my dad did. Their auction is similar to my dad's shows because there's always something for everyone. I know my dad's cars are in good hands and his legacy will be treated with great care and respect."

Gans' wife Julie, who told police she awakened in the middle of the night to find her husband's lifeless body in bed next to her, is maintaining the silence she's kept since his death. She and the family moved from the death mansion in Henderson, Nevada, to the Los Angeles area shortly after the tragedy.

Barrett-Jackson will sell Gans' 1932 Ford 3-window coupe, 1934 Ford 3-window coupe, 1955 Chevrolet Cameo pickup and 1955 Chevrolet 210 2-door sedan. The group also contains a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Yenko SC tribute car, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda coupe, 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette coupe, 2000 Dodge Viper and 2008 Harley-Davidson Street Glide FLHX.

The Chevrolet Cameo pickup and Chevrolet 210 sedan are heavily customized.

"The black 210 with the plate 'DBL5' includes touches that reflect the showman's personality, such as his logo embroidered into the trunk.

"The black on black 2000 Viper coupe has silver stripes and wears the plate 'TMOMV' (The Man of Many Voices)."

"The amethyst black 2003 Corvette coupe is a stunner with ghost purple flames, a 5.7 supercharged V8, Borla exhaust and custom wheels; its plate reads 'DDG.' The 2008 Harley is a 105th anniversary edition clad in black with purple ghost flames. The full dress bike is slathered in chrome and has the plate 'GANS.'"

And they decided the circumstances of his death were not worth investigating...

"Here's a legacy
of the late Danny Gans:
Las Vegas may never,
ever again be without
a singing impressionist."
-- Mike Weatherford
June 23, 2010, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Steve Friess attacked Rich Little twice the weekend before Little's wife committed suicide

In a stunningly unfortunate case of bad timing, it turns out that Las Vegas blogger, New York Times stringer, Gay Vegas author, concert promoter and comp queen Steve Friess published a pair of vicious, politically-motivated attacks on the legendary comic impersonator Rich Little, just days before Little's wife committed suicide. "The Friesster," who has exerted an influence on Vegas entertainment scene through his many media connections and outlets (not to mention his relationships with Vegas moguls like Steve Wynn), slammed the 71-year-old Little on his Vegas blogsite on Saturday, July 10th, for allegedly referring to gay Congressman Barney Frank as a "queen" in a punchline during a comedy routine the previous evening at the Nevada Republican Party's annual convention.

"It seems like Little wants to make himself relevant again by stealing material, resorting to incredibly simplistic homophobic humor and polarizing audiences." --Steve Friess

The next day, Friess hit again, publishing an accusation from a "reader" who supposedly "attended Rich Little's stand-up performance at The Cannery in North Las Vegas on Saturday night," that Little had "introduced a woman in the audience who he said was the best female impersonator besides for Barney Frank." Friess also repeated the accusation from the "reader" that "Little's best impression was of Andy Rooney but that the jokes themselves were lifted verbatim from Steven Wright." Despite his reputation for cadging free show tickets, Friess did not attend either performance. In the Sunday attack, the activist Friesster revealed that his problems with Little may have less to do with the use of a "slur" than with Little's conservative political leanings and contributions to Sean Hannity events. "Rich Little is an interesting figure because he was called upon in 2007 to perform at the White House Correspondents Dinner the year after Steven Colbert's scorcher embarrassed President Bush. The reviews were brutal but he didn't do much current-event political humor then. "I'm not one to write off someone just because they're old or they've been out of the public eye for a while... But it seems like Little wants to make himself relevant again by stealing material, resorting to incredibly simplistic homophobic humor and polarizing audiences who aren't expecting to be polarized." Four days after the broadsides, Little's wife Marie Marotta was found dead in an apparent suicide. Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Sunday quoted "a friend" saying that Marie's health issues were compounded by "a tough year" for the couple, including "a dropoff in his headliner bookings in the last decade." While there is no evidence that Friess' screed contributed to the tragedy on Thursday, the postings, which are widely read among Las Vegas' business class, would certainly add to Rich Little's difficulties obtaining future headlining bookings in the city. As of this posting, Friess has not commented on Rich Little's tragedy. (Leaving aside a comedian's license to offend-- what of the word "Queen"? In a rare case in which a negative comment on Friess's site has not been censored and removed, a commenter to Friess's posts challenged the activist for holding the "old" Little to the political-correctness expected of young performers. He also questioned Friess' hypocrisy: "In 'Gay Vegas', you say 'there is nothing queer about the Four Queens, except its name'. This makes me see 'Queen' as not being insulting, yet your post about the Barney Frank joke makes me think it may be an insult. So, now I am wondering when it is OK to use 'Queen' and when it is an insult? I am especially afraid that it is never OK to use 'Queen' if the user is not gay." (Friess responded: "The use of terms/slurs by people who are part of the community or friendly to it is different.")

Rich Little's wife an apparent suicide

Rich Little says he found a suicide note along with the body of his wife in the bedroom of their dreamhouse in the Lake Sahara section of Las Vegas on Thursday. Marie Marotta apparently ended her life with an overdose of sleeping pills.

The report comes out of the 71-year-old impersonator's hometown, Ottawa, Canada, where his longtime friend, retired broadcaster Gord Atkinson, says that Marotta suffered from severe migraine headaches that sometimes "knocked her out for days.

"She left him a loving note and said that she couldn't go on."

Marotta was 45. She became Little's third wife when she married him in Hawaii in 2003. She was active in many humanitarian efforts, including working with the homeless, children in need and abused animals, and this year was inducted into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.


Las Vegas gossip Norm Clarke quotes a "friend":

"'They've had a tough year,' alluding to Marotta's medical issues, their purchase of a dream home at the height of the local real estate run-up and a dropoff in his headliner bookings in the last decade."

Atkinson say Rich Little is "absolutely devastated."

Services are set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Palm Mortuary on Eastern Avenue.

Rich Little made tabloid television history in 1992 when he was sued by his former girlfriend, Vegas magician Melinda Saxe, for allegedly making a secret videotape of them having sex.

Is Art Vargas the great hope of Las Vegas?

We caught Art Vargas on Dennis Bono's radio show (from Sam's Town) last night. Looks like Las Vegas has been keeping a Danny Gans-sized talent under the radar: an old school lounge singer who's worked his way up from the impersonator ranks and appears primed for a shot at a big league showroom of his own.