Manager: Gans had high blood pressure ‘for years’

Entertainer Danny Gans had high blood pressure “for years” and a history of heart problems in his family, his longtime manager said today.

Chip Lightman said Gans, who died May 1 at age 52 three months into his long-term deal at the Encore hotel, “really watched his health, knowing it (heart trouble) was in his family.”

Lightman acknowledged he was heard “all the rumors” but said he is not concerned about what might surface in the toxicology tests that could take several more weeks before the Clark County coroner’s office releases the results.

"I can swear on a Bible I never saw Danny involved with drugs,” said Lightman. “I can’t imagine that being a factor. In my 18 years he’s never done one thing in front of me. Ever. I’d be surprised.”

KVBC-TV, Channel 3 entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs, a close friend of Gans, said she was aware of Gans’ high blood pressure.

“But he took very good care of himself because of it and he certainly had it under control as far as I knew,” said Jacobs.

“He wouldn’t even eat fried food, so you’d think he wouldn’t be involved in any kind of risky behavior," she added.

"He was an athlete in a lot of ways," said Jacobs. "Who amongst us, that work out on regular basis, doesn’t have a constant ache or pain. I’m sure he took Motrin. I think that’s about as adventurous as he ever got.”

A week before Gans died at his Henderson home, the singing impressionist made a cryptic comment to Jacobs during a telephone conversation about his new music video "What a Wonderful World."

Gans told her, “When I die and you do my obituary piece, it will be the most brilliant work of your career.'"