Los Angeles TV mainstay Sam Rubin dies at 64

CNN
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Sam Rubin, longtime entertainment anchor for KTLA in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 64, fellow anchor Frank Buckley announced Friday.

Rubin was a mainstay of celebrity interviews and covered all things Hollywood for decades. He also often reported for international media, including in Australia and the United Kingdom, Buckley said.

Buckley said Rubin was at work Thursday and called in sick Friday morning. KTLA later reported that Rubin’s family confirmed he died of a heart attack.

“It’s such a shock,” said KTLA morning anchor Eric Spillman. “He was one of my best friends. We worked together every day for 33 years.

Spillman described Rubin as a tremendous and remarkable talent who could talk to anyone about anything.

“He was born to be a broadcaster,” Spillman added.

“His laugh, charm and caring personality touched everyone who knew him,” KTLA said. a tribute on social networks. “Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished most.”

According to Rubin’s biography on KTLA.com, he joined the KTLA Morning News show in 1991, winning several Emmys. He also received the Golden Mike Award for Best Entertainment Reporter, a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, and was named Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.

Rubin was a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and appeared regularly on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom as well as Triple M radio and the Channel 9 television network in Australia.

Perry Sook, founder, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, called Rubin “an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry” in a statement shared with CNN on Friday. “My prayers are with his family and the KTLA family as we mourn his passing. We will miss him.”

Veteran actor Henry Winkler said by phone on KTLA Friday that Rubin “made every human being feel so special and made them open up like a flower.”

Winkler also posted on It WAS ALWAYS a pleasure to be on set with Sam. We will miss him dearly.”

“It’s a very emotional and sad day. Not just for the KTLA family, but for the entertainment industry as a whole,” actor Jerry O’Connell said on KTLA. “This man was a legend.”

Eric Stonestreet, star of “Modern Family” wrote about Rubin on X, “I always enjoyed my time with Sam. Rest in peace, sir.

“I’m so sorry to hear that my friend Sam Rubin is going to heaven. I’ve known him for decades,” Richard Simmons said. Friday. “He was always interested in my projects and always made fun of my stupid jokes. Sam, we will miss you.

On Instagram, Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis wrote that Rubin’s “professionalism was unmatched” by his “kindness and humanity.”

“I will miss your presence on the red carpet. God bless your loved ones,” she added.

Ben Stiller called Rubin a “consummate pro” in his tribute on X, adding: “I did my first interview with him in something like 1993, and countless times over the years. He loved actors and films. He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy. It was an institution.

Oscar winner Octavia Spencer also wrote a tribute to Rubin on social media, writing, “So sad to hear we lost Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to see him and be in his presence. My condolences to his family and fans.

Later Friday, Ryan Seacrest posted a tribute on Instagram, sharing how early in his career one of his first live roles on Los Angeles television was replacing Rubin.

“His charm, fun-loving spirit and professionalism have always impressed me. My condolences to his family and his KTLA family. We will all miss him. »