Sam Rubin, one of Los Angeles' most beloved entertainment broadcasters, died Friday at the age of 64. He joined KTLA 5's morning news team in 1991, interviewing actors and musicians.
Alsa Chan, host:
If you drive around L.A. today, you're likely to see theater signs, billboards, and sports stadiums with Sam Rubin's name or face emblazoned on them. He was one of the most beloved entertainment broadcasters here in Los Angeles, and he passed away on Friday.
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Frank Buckley: This is a moment where Sam knows exactly what to say.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Yes.
Juana Summers, host:
Rubin's KTLA 5 colleague and friend Frank Buckley had the difficult task of breaking the news to Los Angeles on Friday.
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Buckley: But he was a very energetic, sincere, real human being and a very meaningful person.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Yes.
Eric Spielman: He was born to be a broadcaster.
Summers: That's Eric Spielman, another longtime friend and colleague.
CHANG: In fact, there's evidence that Sam Rubin aspired to appear on the airwaves even as a teenager.
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Cheryl: Sammy (ph)?
Sam Rubin: Well, Sheryl (ph), theaters across the Southland are filled with movie entertainment this summer.
CHANG: That's Rubin, who was broadcasting to high schools on the Los Angeles Unified School District's student news channel in 1977.
SUMMERS: Throughout his decades-long career as an entertainment reporter, Rubin became known on a first-name basis with some of Hollywood's biggest names, from George Clooney to…
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George Clooney: How many years have we known each other? Probably 30.
CHANG: …to Denzel Washington…
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Denzel Washington: I don't watch your show every day. I'm watching over you every day.
Summers: …and Tom Hanks…
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Tom Hanks: Let me elaborate. Sam Li…
CHANG: Rubin joined KTLA 5's morning news team in 1991, interviewing actors and musicians both on the red carpet and as an anchor in the newsroom.
Summers: He was known for his charm, his joy, and his sense of humor. Here he pokes fun at long-haired actor Jared Leto.
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S RUBIN: Shampoo and conditioner or just shampoo? What's your hair regimen, Jared? good morning.
Jared Leto: Well, my friend. It's a wig.
SUMMERS: This morning, Ms. Rubin's 16-year-old son, Colby Rubin, appeared on KTLA 5 with some of his father's former co-workers.
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Colby Rubin: Hello, Dad. I wrote this under your desk in your cubicle, where you often found me sleeping.
SUMMERS: He read a eulogy for his father.
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C. Rubin: You were a great father and friend. During that car ride, you taught me so much about life and how to get up every day and do what you love.
CHANG: With the loss of legendary entertainment broadcaster Sam Rubin, living in a big, single-industry-dominated metropolis like Los Angeles makes this place, where we embrace our lost friends, feel like a small town. Angelinos were reminded of how it often feels.
SUMMERS: Sam Rubin passed away suddenly on Friday at the age of 64. He is survived by his wife and four children.
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