Sam Rubin, KTLA entertainment reporter, dead at 64

Sam Rubin, the longtime Los Angeles entertainment reporter known for his work at news station KTLA, has died. He was 64.

KTLA confirmed his death in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, May 10th.

“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 fixture on Los Angeles morning television for decades,” the statement said. “His laugh, charm and caring personality touched everyone who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he valued most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family at this difficult time.”

Rubin’s manager Jamie Gruttemeyer also confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE: “The morning news will never be the same. I think we all feel that losing Sam is like losing a close family friend…Someone who could always put you in a good mood.”, someone who was welcomed into your home and always with a smile Face appeared, Sam will be missed forever.

Rubin – who has appeared on KTLA since 1991 – reportedly died of a heart attack on May 10 after filming his regular Hollywood news segment, a source said diversity.

The reporter built “a reputation as someone who transcends the entertainment headlines of the day. His insights and exploration of the deeper meaning and impact of stories within the entertainment industry are a topic of conversation inside and outside the company,” his KTLA bio reads.

During his more than three decades at KTLA, Rubin was known for interviewing numerous A-list stars at awards shows, red carpets and more.

In addition to his work at KTLA, Rubin has appeared on British television and BBC radio and worked as a contributor to Triple M Radio and the Channel 9 television network in Australia.

Rubin’s honors include receiving multiple Emmy Awards, a Golden Mike Award for Best Entertainment Reporter and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, and being named Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.

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In 2013, he also received the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award for Outstanding Integrity in Broadcast Journalism.

The late reporter’s production company, SRE, Inc., produced several Live out Red carpet shows and more than 100 episodes of the talk show Hollywood uncensored.

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Rubin – a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association – published his books and contributed to print and online publications around the world.

He leaves behind his wife Leslie and four children.