Sam Rubin, KTLA reporter, dead at 64

Published: 12:52 PM PDT, May 10, 2024

Sam Rubin, a popular television journalist who was a Los Angeles fixture and a fixture on KTLA’s wildly popular morning show, has died, ET has confirmed. He was 64.

Rubin died on Friday from complications of a heart attack. He reportedly suffered a medical emergency at his home where he went into cardiac arrest. He was taken to UCLA West Hills and eventually pronounced dead. KTLA anchor Frank Buckley acknowledged the tragedy with an emotional tribute at the start of the afternoon broadcast.

“The Sam you saw on the air is the Sam that wasn’t on the air,” Buckley said live on the air. “For all of us with whom he shared his mornings on television and for those with whom he worked behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him.”

Buckley added that Rubin’s death was sudden, saying, “He was here with us yesterday.”

In a statement on social media, KTLA said: “KTLA 5 is deeply saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin. Sam was a giant in the local news industry and entertainment world and was a staple on Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laughter, charm and caring personality touched everyone who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he valued most during this difficult time.

Also popular tech reporter Rich DeMuro posted on social media said he was “completely shocked.” He added: “The morning news in Hollywood will never be the same without you.”

TMZ was the first to announce the tragic news.

According to his biography on KTLA’s website, Rubin joined the station in 1991. He was best known as an entertainment journalist and received the coveted Golden Mike Award for Best Entertainment Reporter as well as multiple Emmy Awards for his coverage of entertainment news. He has received top honors from the Los Angeles Press Club and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.

Rubin’s reporting wasn’t limited to Los Angeles. He often appeared on numerous entertainment news stories across the country and around the world. He has appeared regularly on BBC television and radio shows, as well as Triple M Radio and Channel 9 in Australia.

Rubin, who is also a fixture at red carpet events like the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, was born in San Diego, California, but long considered Los Angeles his home. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Occidental College in Los Angeles and lived in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood.

Rubin is survived by his wife Leslie and their four children.

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