Veteran Los Angeles Entertainment Journalist Sam Rubin Dies at 64

Sam Rubin attends the Opening Of SiriusXM Pandora LA Studios on Oct. 7, 2019, in Los Angeles. Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Long-time “KTLA 5” entertainment reporter Sam Rubin has passed away. He was 64 years old.

His fellow colleague and friend, Frank Buckley, announced the news of his death in an on-air broadcast.

“Our hearts, as you imagine, are broken … Quite frankly, Sam Rubin was KTLA,” said Mr. Buckley in a tearful address.

“The Sam that you saw on the air is the Sam that was off the air … to all of us he shared his mornings with on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him,” said Mr. Buckley.

The station also took to social media with a statement confirming Mr. Rubin’s passing, noting the impact he made in the local news industry and entertainment world.

“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,” read the statement.

While his cause of death has not been officially disclosed, co-workers did confirm Mr. Rubin was on the air a day prior with no signs of outward illness.

Mr. Rubin’s sudden passing left the station and viewers in shock as they reflected on his career and industry impact.

He was remembered by KTLA morning news weather anchor Mark Kriski for being well-known in Hollywood and well-loved by everyone with whom he came in contact.

Reporter Eric Spillman, who also started at the station the same year as Mr. Rubin, noted his celebrity obituaries would always put their lives in perspective in a “touching and moving” way.

“Now we’re in the position of having to talk about his career and his life and give it some perspective and give it the dignity that it deserves … I’m at a loss for words,” Mr. Spillman said.

Mr. Rubin, who lived in Brentwood, California, is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children.

Staple Of  Showbiz Industry

Mr. Rubin was a fixture of LA morning television and beyond, with a career spanning decades. He joined KTLA in 1991 and hosted his own show, “Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin,” which saw a three-season run and over 100 episodes.

His celebrity interviews ranged from Hollywood’s elite to up-and-coming actors and filmmakers. Over the years Mr. Rubin made his mark in the entertainment world with his warm and engaging demeanor, but also not being afraid of asking the tough questions.

A decorated journalist, Mr. Rubin won multiple Emmy awards and even a Golden Mic Award for best entertainment reporter.

Further he received the lifetime achievement honor from the Southern California Broadcasters Association and another best entertainment reporter prize from the Los Angeles Press Club.

He was honored by the National Hispanic Media Coalition in 2013, receiving its annual Impact Award for integrity in broadcast journalism.

Mr. Rubin was also a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest critics organization in the nation. Paying tribute, the organization called him a “guiding force.”

“Sam’s generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of “Hollywood” made him a legend in the entertainment business and a trusted friend to millions of viewers – and to hundreds of stars who relaxed in easy conversation with him on his set at KTLA and on countless red carpets,” read the statement.