This week, Ira spoke with Gordie Brown, starring in “Lasting Impressions” at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas (Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brown talks about how Rich Little became his mentor; why the first impression that he learned was Elvis (and how he thought Elvis was an actor who sang); how in five months, he learned 50 impressions; the dearth of distinct voices to work off in today’s world; why entertainment magic is created within a scripted show through improv based on audience reaction; why there are impressions he sometimes uses and stops using; the importance (or non-importance) of props when performing impressions; and why it’s important for all performers to have someone around them who is not a “yes” person.
Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Gordie Brown began his career as a political cartoonist before he caught the entertainment bug after winning a local talent contest. He was soon opening in Los Angeles for artists such as Jay Leno, Louie Anderson, Randy Travis, Barry Manilow, Kenny Rogers ( and even joined Celine Dion on her North American tour “Taking Chances”).
He had his national television debut on A&E’s Evening at the Improv and continued on to co-host NBC’s Friday Night Videos, along with appearances on Hollywood Squares, Late Show with David Letterman, and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
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