Longtime KTLA Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Dies

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.

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.

Tributes pour in

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.

@lizzard011 shared a classic photo of the KTLA Morning News Team, featuring a younger, sepia-toned Rubin.

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."

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.