KTLA Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin, Passes Away at the Age of 64

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Sam Rubin, an esteemed entertainment reporter on KTLA since 1991, passed away on Friday at the age of 64.

Rubin passed away due to a heart attack at his residence. His final appearance on KTLA was on May 9. Surprisingly, he did not make his usual appearance on KTLA’s “Morning News” from 7-9 a.m. on Friday. According to his colleagues, Rubin did not display any visible signs of illness the day prior.

Throughout his career, Rubin was a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his enduring presence on a single station. On-air, Rubin was always cheerful and friendly, often sharing stories about his life outside of work, including his wife and four children. It became a tradition for celebrities from the world of movies, TV shows, and concerts to chat with Rubin live on KTLA as part of their publicity tours. His interviews were a staple of the entertainment industry.

Perry Sook, the chairman and CEO of Nexstar, referred to the anchor as a symbol of significance for both the region and the industry.

In a heartfelt statement, Sook expressed his condolences for the loss of Sam, a cherished member of the KTLA family and an esteemed figure in the Los Angeles entertainment industry. Sook acknowledged Sam’s significant impact and paid tribute to his legacy, stating, “Sam was an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry, and he will be deeply missed.” As the news of Sam’s passing reverberates throughout the Nexstar Nation, Sook offered his thoughts and prayers to Sam’s family and the entire KTLA community during this difficult time.

KTLA, a trailblazing TV station and the first commercial outlet to launch on the West Coast in 1948, paid tribute to the journalist who became synonymous with the station. Frank Buckley, a news anchor at KTLA, was visibly emotional as he announced Rubin’s passing on live television on Friday afternoon.

“Sam, a prominent figure in the local news industry and entertainment world, was a beloved presence on Los Angeles morning television for many years,” stated KTLA in a recent post. “His infectious laugh, charismatic charm, and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Above all, Sam was a devoted husband and father, roles that brought him immense joy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sam’s family as they navigate through this challenging period.”

Rubin, an anchor and reporter based in Hollywood, provided an inside look into the workings of the entertainment industry. With a fan’s perspective, he delved into the intricacies of studios, networks, and the glamorous lives of the wealthy and famous. As his career progressed, Rubin expanded his horizons by venturing into TV production and gaining international recognition. He served as an on-air entertainment reporter for ITV U.K. and became a beloved entertainment news personality in Australia, where he served as a Hollywood correspondent for 9 Network’s “Today” and “Today Extra” programs.

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Publicist Jamie Gruttemeyer Symonds expressed her thoughts on the passing of Rubin, stating, “Everyone is going to feel like they lost a family friend.” This sentiment reflects the impact Rubin had on those who knew him.

In an X post, actor Yvette Nicole Brown expressed the same sentiment, referring to Rubin as a friend and reminiscing about the enjoyable visits she had with him at KTLA.

The Hollywood community was deeply saddened by the news of Rubin’s passing, and actors from both coasts expressed their grief and paid tribute to him. Dave Foley, Kiefer Sutherland, Marlee Matlin, Jerry O’Connell, Paul Feig, Ben Stiller, Greg Grunberg, and many others shared their heartfelt memories of Rubin and continued to commend his kindness in the industry.

Rubin’s television production company, SRE, Inc., has been responsible for creating over 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming. This includes a variety of shows such as “Live From” red carpet events and 120 episodes of the talk show “Hollywood Uncensored.”

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Rubin played a crucial role in the establishment of the Critics Choice Association, an organization that recognizes outstanding achievements in film and television. In a heartfelt tribute, the association recognized him as a driving force behind their work.

According to Critics Choice, Sam was not only a legend in the entertainment business but also a trusted friend to millions of viewers and hundreds of stars. His generous spirit, unfailing good humor, and extensive knowledge of “Hollywood” made him highly respected in the industry. He was known for his easy conversations with celebrities on his set at KTLA and on numerous red carpets.

In 1996, Sam Rubin joined forces with Dorothy Lucey, a fellow entertainment reporter from KTTV, to co-host the daytime syndicated talk show “Scoop with Sam & Dorothy.” This dynamic duo graced the television screens for several months, captivating audiences with their wit and charm.

Throughout his illustrious career, Rubin has garnered numerous accolades and recognition for his exceptional work. He was honored with the prestigious Golden Mic award and received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. Additionally, Rubin was bestowed with the title of best entertainment reporter by the esteemed Los Angeles Press Club. Over the course of his extensive career, he showcased his writing prowess by authoring two captivating celebrity biographies. One of these biographies centered around the enigmatic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, while the other, co-authored with Richard Taylor, delved into the intriguing life of Mia Farrow.

In the early days of his career, Rubin worked as an entertainment news reporter for Group W Television. He also served as a correspondent for Movietime, a cable channel in the New York area during the 1980s.

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According to his KTLA biography, he has been a strong supporter of various organizations, including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour, as well as showing his support for L.A. schools and literacy programs.

He graduated from Occidental College in 1982 and leaves behind his wife, Leslie, and four children.

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