KTLA reporter Sam Rubin dies at 64, celebs pay tribute

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner

Sam Rubin, an entertainment reporter who has been a fixture at KTLA in Los Angeles since 1991, has died at age 64. “Sam was a giant in the local news industry and entertainment world and a fixture on Los Angeles morning television for decades,” the station said in a statement confirming the news. “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.” A source close to the station later confirmed this diversity that Rubin died of a heart attack at home on Friday after finishing his regular Hollywood segments on the channel Morning News Program.

Born in San Diego in 1960, Rubin eventually became a fixture on celebrity Hollywood press tours, covering the inner workings of the industry. He co-founded the Critics Choice Association and has written celebrity biographies of Jackie Kennedy and Mia Farrow. Over his decades-long career, he has been honored with a Golden Mike for Best Entertainment Reporter, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association and the Best Entertainment Reporter Award from the Los Angeles Press Club. Rubin is survived by his wife Leslie and their four children. Following his death, several celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to him.