Sam Rubin, who was an entertainment anchor for KTLA since 1991, has passed away. hollywood reporter Have learned. He was 64 years old.
according to TMZRubin died of a heart attack on Friday after Thursday morning's broadcast.
“KTLA 5 is deeply saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin.” Channel wrote to X (Formerly Twitter). “Sam was a giant in the local news and entertainment world and a fixture on Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laughter, charm, and caring personality are what made him known. He touched everyone. Sam was a loving husband and father, a role he cherished most. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Perry Sooke, founder, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, KTLA's majority shareholder, also issued a statement following the news of Rubin's death. “Sam was an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry and a beloved member of our Nexstar Nation,” he wrote. “We mourn his passing and our prayers are with his family and the KTLA family. He will be missed.”
Rubin's manager, Jamie Gruttemeyer, shared her own notes: THR: “The morning news will never be the same. I think we all feel that losing Sam is like losing a best friend in the family. Someone who always lifts your spirits, your home. Someone who made you feel welcome and always showed up with a smile. Sam will be forever missed.”
In a segment where KTLA anchors share news and memories, weather forecaster Mark Kliski called in to talk about his colleague. “Everyone in Hollywood knows Sam Rubin… He was a friend of mine. The great thing about Sam was that he always thought big and dreamed bigger,” says Kriski. “He was so genuine and the Sam we saw on TV was the Sam in our hearts and in our lives. Damn, no. It's too early for him to go. The sun wasn't that bright this morning and The stars won't be so bright tonight.
After the news broke, multiple celebrities began calling the network to pay tribute to the reporter.
henry winkler I called him from the airport and said, There are two things I know about him. That he always made you feel special and that I wasn't the only one who felt that warmth every time they sat at your desk. ”
of barry Star continued, “Respect was at his very core. His warmth was like he was the only person he knew in this industry. When you were being interviewed by him, There was no one else at that desk after you. You were the one in that seat, and that's what mattered. He made everyone feel special and his heart was like a flower. He was interested in you as a professional. He was interested in you as a person. My heart goes out to you, his family, and all of his colleagues and friends. It hurts. He's going to be sorely missed. I'm overwhelmed that he's not here anymore.”
former dance with the stars Cheryl Burke, a professional podcast host, also called. “I'm literally in tears looking at the pictures right now,” she said. “Like it or not, he was my podcast dad.'' “He was very present when he was there.”
Jerry O'Connell, who just appeared on KTLA Friday morning, rejoined the network to pay tribute to the late anchor. “Emotions are exploding in this town right now. This is shocking news…A very emotional and sad day, not only for the KTLA family, but for the entire entertainment industry. The man was a legend.”
She added: “Showbiz is a scary place. It's an unfriendly place. It's a competitive place. I want to say that Sam was the kindest, warmest soul in this crazy town. He had open arms for everyone. He was warm and welcoming. My first live interview was in his old studio with Sam Rubin at KTLA…he treated everyone with the same amount of love, respect, and warmth… It gave me inspiration.”
In addition to multiple Emmy Awards, Rubin received the Golden Microphone Award for Best Entertainment Reporter, a lifetime achievement award, from the Southern California Broadcasting Corporation and was named Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club. . In 2013, he received the National Hispanic Media Coalition's Annual Impact Award for his outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism.
His work has been published in print and online around the world. He frequently appeared on his BBC TV and radio and was also a regular contributor to Australia's Triple M his radio and Channel 9.
In addition to being a longtime anchor at KTLA, Rubin also owned a television production company called SRE, Inc. The company produced more than 200 hours of extensive cable programming, including his own. live from red carpet show and Hollywood uncensored.
He was one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association. The Broadcast Film Critics Association is one of the nation's largest film and television critics organizations with over 200 members. In 1966, the organization launched the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, which are now one of the biggest awards shows of the season.
The Critics Choice Association released a statement expressing their condolences to Rubin, saying, “We are shocked by the sudden passing of our dear friend Sam Rubin, a longtime member of our board of directors and a source of leadership throughout our 30-year history. “We are receiving the following.” Sam's generous spirit, undiminished humor, and deep knowledge of “Hollywood” have made him a legend in the entertainment industry, making him a legend to millions of viewers and his easy-going companions on set such as KTLA. He has become a trusted friend to hundreds of stars who have enjoyed relaxing with him. Countless red carpets. Our hearts go out to his wife and children as we absorb the shock of this terrible loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Rubin has co-authored two biographies, one on former first lady Jacqueline Onassis; Jackie: An unforgettable impressionthe other is about Mia Farrow and has a simple title Mia Farrow.
Mr. Rubin's survivors include his wife, Leslie, and their three children.
Lesley Goldberg and Lexy Perez contributed to this report.