Topline:
Longtime KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin has died. The station announced his sudden death Friday during KTLA's "Morning News" program.
Station response: "His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time," the station wrote on X.
His history: Rubin has been with KTLA since 1991.
Longtime KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin has died at age 64. The station announced his sudden death Friday during KTLA's "Morning News" program.
A cause of death could not immediately be confirmed, but it was characterized as sudden. A representative for the KTLA could not be reached, but in a statement on the social media platform X, the station called Rubin a giant in the local news industry and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades.
"His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time," the station wrote.
Today Los Angeles lost an icon and KTLA lost a family member. I’ll be forever grateful for the privilege of working in a newsroom with Sam. What a terrible loss.
— Ashley Regan (@ashley_regan) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin (1960-2024) pic.twitter.com/9CDDXL1hZX
Rubin had been with KTLA since 1991. Before his time on Channel 5, Rubin worked at KTTV, where he also covered Hollywood.
His colleagues were visibly shaken as they mourned his death on air Friday afternoon.
"Lived life to the fullest. We don’t know what exactly happened. But we know it was sudden, because we were just with him yesterday,” morning news anchor Frank Buckley said.
“He was born to be a broadcaster,” KTLA reporter Eric Spillman added. “There’s just nobody who compares with him.”
Rubin is survived by his wife and four children.
As news of his death spread, fans remembered Rubin as an L.A. institution.
@joerussotweets shared Rubin's cameo in Wes Craven's 1994 film New Nightmare, adding that he's devastated by the loss.
Absolutely devastated by the loss of @KTLA’s Sam Rubin (@SamOnTV). You might remember this amazing cameo from NEW NIGHTMARE. We watched him almost daily. When he covered one of my movies it was such a thrill. He was more than an entertainment journalist, he was an LA institution. pic.twitter.com/oQThYdTQdE
— Joe Russo (@joerussotweets) May 10, 2024
@lizzard011 shared a classic photo of the KTLA Morning News Team, featuring a younger, sepia-toned Rubin.
Sad 😢 I just saw this picture related to Jennifer York retiring. Sam was one of the originals. pic.twitter.com/QehuxzVx4N
— Lizzard 🦎 (@lizzard011) May 10, 2024
Greg Grunberg, an actor best known for his roles in Heroes and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was shocked by the news. His Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill replied "awful news."
I am numb and shocked at the news of my friend Sam Rubin passing. He cared about everyone that he met and always took the time to smile and ask about family and was the best at what he did. I can’t believe this news. So devastating and sad. Thinking about his beautiful family… pic.twitter.com/xthdAOvGha
— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) May 10, 2024
Less than an hour after his death was announced, "Rest In Peace" and "KTLA" were trending on X.
Actor Ben Stiller remembered Rubin as a "consummate pro," writing that he did his first interview with him in the 1990s.
"He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy," Stiller wrote on X. "He was an institution. We have lost him way too soon."
Actor Octavia Spencer wrote on social media that it was always a pleasure to see Rubin and be in his presence.
And Jaime Chambers, a FOX 5 San Diego reporter whose career started at KTLA, wrote that getting to work and learn from Rubin was a pure gift.
Sam Rubin is leaving a huge hole in Los Angeles. Getting to work and learn from him was a pure gift. As an entertainment reporter, he was second to none. As a an interviewer, he was the best I’ve ever seen. As a person he was warm witty and cherished. @KTLA @fox5sandiego pic.twitter.com/D67nreREzp
— Jaime Chambers (@jaimechambers) May 10, 2024