Vince Bucci/Invision/AP
Journalist Sam Rubin attends the AARP Films “Adult Movie Showcase” at Regal Cinemas LA LIVE on Sunday, November 9, 2014 in Los Angeles.
CNN
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Sam Rubin, the longtime entertainment anchor for KTLA in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 64, fellow anchor Frank Buckley announced on Friday's broadcast.
Rubin was a mainstay of celebrity interviews, covering all things Hollywood for decades. Mr Buckley said he also frequently spoke to international media, including in Australia and the UK.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Buckley said Rubin was at work Thursday and called Friday morning feeling sick.
“I'm very shocked,” KTLA morning anchor Eric Spielman said. “He was one of my best friends. We worked together every day for 33 years.”
Spielman described Rubin as a huge and outstanding talent who could talk to anyone about anything.
“He was born to be a broadcaster,” Spielman added.
“His laughter, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him,” KTLA shared. social media compliments. “Sam was a loving husband and father, a role he cherished most.”
According to Rubin's biography on KTLA.com, he joined the KTLA Morning News Show in 1991 and went on to win multiple Emmy Awards. He also received his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasting Corporation, the Golden Microphone Award for Best Entertainment Reporter, and was named Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.
Rubin was one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and appeared regularly on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom, Triple M Radio and the Channel 9 television network in Australia.
Perry Souk, Nexstar's founder, chairman and CEO, called Rubin “an icon of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry” in a statement shared with CNN on Friday. “We mourn his passing and our prayers are with his family and the KTLA family. He will be missed.”
Veteran actor Henry Winkler said Friday on a KTLA call-in that Rubin “made everyone feel special and opened their hearts like a flower.”
Winkler also posted on X: “This is a terrible loss to Sam's family, colleagues, friends and fans.” It was always fun to be on set with Sam. I will miss him very much when he is gone. ”
“It's a very emotional and sad day. Not only for the KTLA family, but for the entire entertainment industry,” actor Jerry O'Connell said of KTLA. “The man was a legend.”
Eric Stonestreet, star of “Modern Family” I wrote about Rubin. In X, “It was always a pleasure spending time with Sam. Rest in peace, Your Excellency.”
“I'm so sorry to hear that my friend Sam Rubin has gone to heaven. I've known him for decades,” Richard Simmons posted. Friday of X. “He was always interested in my projects and always laughed at my dumb jokes. Sam, I'm going to miss you.”
Academy Award-winning actor Viola Davis wrote on Instagram that Rubin's “professionalism was unparalleled” and his “kindness and humanity.”
“I miss seeing you on the red carpet. God bless your loved ones,” she added.
Ben Stiller, in his eulogy to X, called Rubin a “consummate professional” and said, “I first interviewed him in about 1993 and I interviewed him countless times over the years. I loved the actor and the movie. He made everyone feel comfortable and was always fun and easy going.
Oscar winner Octavia Spencer also paid tribute to Rubin on social media, writing, “I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to meet him and be in his presence. My condolences to his family and fans.”