Sam Rubin, Los Angeles TV leading man, dies aged 64

CNN
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Sam Rubin, longtime entertainment anchor for KTLA in Los Angeles, has died at age 64, his colleague Frank Buckley announced on air Friday.

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

A cause of death was not announced. Buckley said Rubin was at work Thursday and called in sick Friday morning.

“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 great and remarkable talent who could talk to anyone about anything.

“He was born a broadcaster,” Spillman added.

“His laugh, charm and caring personality touched everyone who knew him,” KTLA shared a tribute to social media. “Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he valued most.”

According to Rubin’s biography on KTLA.com, he joined the KTLA Morning News show in 1991 and won 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 one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and appeared regularly on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom and on Triple M radio and Channel 9 television in Australia.

Nexstar founder, chairman and CEO Perry Sook 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 death. He will be missed.”

Veteran actor Henry Winkler told KTLA by phone Friday that Rubin “made everyone feel special and opened up like a flower.”

Winkler also wrote on We will miss him dearly.”

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

“Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet wrote about Ruby to 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 have known him for decades,” wrote Richard Simmons Friday on X. “He was always interested in my projects and always laughed at my silly jokes. Sam, we will miss you.”

On Instagram, Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis wrote that Rubin’s “professionalism and his kindness and humanity are unmatched.”

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

Ben Stiller called Rubin a “consummate professional” in his tribute to He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy. He was an institution.”

Oscar winner Octavia Spencer also paid tribute to Rubin on social media, writing: “It’s so sad to learn that we have lost Sam Rubin.” It was always a joy to see him and be in his presence. My condolences go out to his family and fans.”