Entertainers, friends, and family gather to remember a Las Vegas trailblazer…
In the City of Entertainment, the word “legend” is used often But few individuals can live up to the title. Alex Stuart will forever be known as one half of the couple that created legendary Las Vegas entertainment – LEGENDS IN CONCERT. On April 20th, 2024, hundreds of friends and relatives, along with husband Johnny Stuart, gathered to bid a final farewell to their beloved Alex.
Born on January 13th, 1942, Alex Stuart spent most of her life in a world of song and dance. During the summer of 1963, she caught the eye of future husband Johnny, who was singing at a church dance. One and a half years later, the two were wed and remained together for sixty-two years until her death.
Johnny and Alex at Bird Cage Theater, Knott’s Berry Farm
Throughout those six-plus decades, Alex and Johnny collaborated on countless entertainment projects. Their life-spanning career began with a humble Knott’s Berry Farm production and culminated in LEGENDS IN CONCERT, the longest-running show in Las Vegas.
In 1983, the young couple left Orange County, California, and relocated with their family to Las Vegas. For a short time, they resided at IMPERIAL PALACE (now Linq Hotel), where LEGENDS was performed. The show’s success allowed the Stuarts to purchase land in the south-central valley where they created the rustic, elegant LEGENDS RANCH.
A burgeoning talent, Mrs. Stuart was always at her husband’s side. She performed in LEGENDS and traveled with Johnny as their tribute show empire expanded to other states and overseas. The epitome of grace, Alex shared qualities of beautiful superstars like Audrey Hepburn and Ann-Margret, charming everyone she met.
“Alex was a very classy and elegant lady”, said Sally Olson, who plays Karen in Carpenters Legacy. “Her devotion to husband Johnny, dedication in taking care of her children, and helping others is a testament to how much she was loved by everyone.” Ned Mills, who plays Richard Carpenter added, “Alex was and still is an inspiration to us all.”
Ned Mills and Sally Olson pay tribute to Alex Stuart at LEGENDS RANCH
In addition to her exuberant onstage presence, Alex Stuart’s kindness will be remembered the most. After the birth of their three biological children, the couple adopted and raised many more through fostering. During a recent interview with Ninon de Vere De Rosa, Johnny stated “Some of them, we knew their parents very well. We took them on, and they became part of our responsibility.” In total, Alex and Johnny raised eleven children.
One of Johnny’s favorite memories is when Alex encountered a homeless mother and child in a vacant lot while driving through the city. Offering to help, she brought them to the Ranch and provided them with food, shelter, clothing, and a fresh start.
Photos courtesy of daughter Crystal Suzette Buck
Echoing his first meeting with Alex, Johnny’s chance encounter with a young boy in a wheelchair turned into a lifetime relationship. He was visiting a home for special-needs children when he met David, who was born paralyzed. The couple took David to Disneyland for his seventh birthday and decided on that day to adopt him. Despite suffering from spinal bifida, David worked with his father until passing away at the age of 42.
David lived and died at Legends Ranch, the beautiful property that Alex and Johnny called “home” for twenty-nine years. It’s also where his mother’s memorial took place on April 20th. Over one hundred people gathered to honor her legacy, sharing laughter, food, music, and memories.
LEGENDS RANCH Event Center was the perfect location to honor Mrs. Stuart. The Celebration of Life was held from 2 pm through 6 pm on April 20th during a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Personal photo albums, treasured possessions, and framed portraits filled the hall, along with lovely flower arrangements.
Entertainers like Barbara Brighton, Ned Mills, Sally Olson, Jay White, Greg Miller, and many more performed songs and offered moving eulogies to their departed friend. PIANO MAN star Kyle Martin was unable to attend the gathering, but sent these sentiments to VEGAS 411:
“I met Johnny in 2019 and started talking about doing the Piano Man show in Las Vegas. I had called around to some of my Vegas industry friends to do my due diligence because you can meet some interesting people in the entertainment field. All I heard was Johnny was the kindest and most honest person in all of Las Vegas.”
Kyle Martin (left) with Johnny Stuart
“It wasn’t until the show opened and I met his wife, Alex, that I found out the reason why Johnny’s good reputation preceded him. You can tell a good man from the good woman at his side. Alex was the sweetest and classiest gal in the room. She was never afraid to show her excitement about the shows and she gave hugs freely.”
The Stuarts and producer Blair Farrington (right) on the set of PIANO MAN
“I saw her health decline rapidly but as I would walk her to the car after a show she would always hug me and say how much she loved the “Piano Man.” I’ll never forget her kindness and the love and devotion she had for Johnny.” – Kyle Martin
Video by Dan Stuart
After more than forty years, the entertainment that Alex and Johnny Stuart so lovingly created continues to thrive. LEGENDS IN CONCERT performs on cruise ships and cities around the world. Ongoing productions like CARPENTERS LEGACY, Kyle Martin’s PIANO MAN, and the upcoming LEGENDARY ICONS will continue to delight Las Vegas visitors. The matriarch of the Stuart empire may have passed, but her influence will be felt for years to come. Farewell, Alex Stuart.
“Life is short. But we live eternally.” – Johnny Stuart
