Beloved KTLA Entertainment Anchor, Sam Rubin, Dies at 64

Sam Rubin, who was widely known as the friendly face bringing entertainment news to viewers on KTLA-TV’s morning show since 1991, has passed away, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He was 64 years old.

Recently, another celebrity died suddenly.

A source close to the station has confirmed that Sam Rubin passed away at his home from a heart attack. This happened after he had finished his usual Hollywood news segments on KTLA’s “Morning News” program, which airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on Fridays.

Sam Rubin was a dedicated entertainment reporter for KTLA, and his sudden passing has deeply saddened many.

Sam Rubin was a familiar face in Hollywood, having spent a considerable amount of time at a single station throughout his career, which is quite uncommon in the industry. On screen, Rubin was consistently cheerful and friendly, often sharing stories about his life outside of work, including moments with his wife and their four children.

Conversing with Rubin live on KTLA became a customary part of promotional tours for celebrities from the worlds of movies, TV shows, concerts, and anything else related to entertainment.

Perry Sook, the chairman and CEO of Nexstar, described Sam Rubin as a revered figure, both in the local Los Angeles community and the wider entertainment industry.

Sook referred to Rubin as an “icon” for the region and the industry, highlighting his significant impact and lasting influence. Expressing condolences, Sook extended prayers to Rubin’s family and the KTLA community during this time of mourning. He emphasized Rubin’s cherished status within the Nexstar family, noting the deep void his passing leaves behind.

KTLA, a trailblazing TV station known for its pioneering role as the first commercial outlet to broadcast on the West Coast in 1948. Which offered heartfelt praise for Sam Rubin, who had become synonymous with the station over the years.

KTLA news anchor Frank Buckley, visibly emotional, reported Rubin’s passing on-air Friday afternoon. By reflecting the deep impact of the loss on the station’s tight-knit community. Rubin’s legacy as a journalist and his profound connection to KTLA were acknowledged and honored during this somber moment.

Sam was a towering figure in both the local news industry and the entertainment realm. He became a staple of Los Angeles morning television over the course of several decades,” stated KTLA in a recent post. “His infectious laugh, undeniable charm, and genuine caring personality left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

Sam took great pride in his roles as a devoted husband and father, which were the cornerstones of his life. Our hearts and thoughts are with Sam’s family as they navigate through this challenging time.

Being both an anchor and reporter stationed in the heart of Hollywood, Sam Rubin naturally delved into the intricacies of Tinseltown. His coverage often provided a refreshing and enthusiastic “gee whiz” viewpoint on the inner workings of studios and networks. As well as the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous.

With a fan’s perspective, Rubin approached his reporting, shedding light on the behind the scenes happenings with an infectious sense of wonder and excitement.

“Everyone is going to feel like they lost a family friend.” Which expressed publicist Jamie Gruttemeyer Symonds to Variety upon hearing the news of Sam Rubin’s passing.

Actor Yvette Nicole Brown echoed similar sentiments in a recent post, referring to Rubin as “a friend” and reminiscing about the enjoyable moments she spent visiting him at KTLA.

Apart from his role as an anchor, Sam Rubin was also involved in television production through his company, SRE, Inc. Over the years, SRE, Inc. has contributed to the creation of over 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming.

This includes producing “Live From” red carpet shows, providing viewers with live coverage and insights into major entertainment events. Additionally, SRE, Inc. has produced 120 episodes of the talk show “Hollywood Uncensored.” Which offering candid discussions and behind the scenes glimpses into the entertainment industry.

Sam Rubin played a significant role as a co-founder of the Critics Choice Association. This organization. By paid tribute to Rubin following his passing. They described him as a “guiding force” for the association, highlighting his instrumental contributions to its establishment and growth.

Rubin’s impact extended beyond his work as a journalist, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of entertainment recognition and appreciation.

The Critics Choice Association paid homage to Sam Rubin, acknowledging his profound impact on the entertainment industry. They lauded Rubin for his generous spirit, unwavering good humor, and extensive knowledge of Hollywood. Which earned him legendary status in the business.

Rubin’s warm demeanor and expertise made him not only a beloved figure to millions of viewers. But also a trusted friend to countless stars. Whether chatting with celebrities on his set at KTLA or interviewing them on numerous red carpets. Rubin’s ability to put others at ease and engage in effortless conversation solidified his esteemed reputation in the industry.

In 1996, Sam Rubin joined forces with his counterpart from a rival station, KTTV entertainment reporter Dorothy Lucey. To co-host the daytime syndicated talk show “Scoop with Sam & Dorothy.” The show aired for a few months, bringing together their expertise and personalities to offer viewers. An engaging mix of entertainment news and celebrity interviews.

Despite its short run, “Scoop with Sam & Dorothy” provided audiences with a unique perspective on the latest happenings in the entertainment world. Which showcasing Rubin and Lucey’s dynamic rapport and shared passion for the industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sam Rubin garnered several prestigious accolades, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the field of journalism. He honored with a Golden Mic award, recognizing his outstanding achievements in broadcasting. Additionally, Rubin received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, acknowledging his significant impact on the industry over the years. His talent and dedication also earned him the title of best entertainment reporter from the Los Angeles Press Club, further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in journalism.

In addition to his reporting endeavors, Rubin showcased his writing prowess by authoring two celebrity biographies. One of these biographies delved into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, offering readers a glimpse into the fascinating world of the iconic

First Lady. Rubin’s literary repertoire also included a 1990 book co-authored with Richard Taylor, focusing on actress Mia Farrow. These biographies served as testaments to Rubin’s versatility and deep understanding of the entertainment industry, further cementing his status as a multifaceted talent in the field of journalism.

In the early stages of his career, Sam Rubin delved into the realm of entertainment news, serving as a correspondent for Group W Television. He also contributed to the 1980s New York-area cable channel Movietime, where his passion for the industry began to flourish.

According to his biography on KTLA, Rubin deeply committed to supporting various organizations. Which including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour, showcasing his dedication to philanthropy and community engagement. Additionally, he actively involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing education and promoting literacy programs throughout Los Angeles.

A proud graduate of Occidental College in 1982, Rubin leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He survived by his beloved wife, Leslie, and their four children, who undoubtedly carry forward his spirit of kindness, passion. And unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Unraveling Controversy:

During a live interview on February 10, 2014, with actor Samuel L. Jackson, a mishap occurred. The interviewer, Sam Rubin, mistakenly asked Jackson about the success of a Super Bowl trailer featuring Laurence Fishburne, another African American actor. Fishburne had reprised his role as Morpheus from “The Matrix” for a car commercial.

Jackson was understandably offended by this mix-up. Instead of the intended question about a different commercial featuring Jackson himself for “Captain America. The Winter Soldier,” Rubin’s mistake led to an uncomfortable moment.

In his attempt to rectify the error, Rubin later apologized. He clarified that he had meant to ask about the success of the “Captain America” commercial. But felt embarrassed about his mix-up during the interview.

Although Rubin claimed Jackson misunderstood him, he also acknowledged his own blunder, referring to it as “a very amateur mistake.” This incident highlighted the importance of accuracy in live interviews and the need for interviewers to be well prepared and mindful of their questions.