Sam Rubin, KTLA 5 entertainment reporter, dies at 64

KTLA 5 entertainment reporter Sam Rubin (Photo courtesy of KTLA)

By City News Service | news@socalnews.com

PUBLISHED: May 10, 2024 at 12:52 p.m. | UPDATED: May 10, 2024 at 8:39 p.m.

Sam Rubin, one of the most recognizable and likeable entertainment reporters in the business and a fixture on the KTLA 5 Morning News since 1991, died today at age 64.

KTLA 5 Morning News anchor Frank Buckley confirmed the news on the air early Friday afternoon, his voice trembling and fighting back tears as he spoke about the death of his friend and co-worker.

“Our hearts, as you can imagine, are broken,” Buckley said. “Quite simply, Sam was KTLA. From his time on the KTLA 5 Morning News to the many awards shows and other shows that he hosted, his laugh, his charm, most caring personality. To all of us he shared his mornings with on television and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him.”

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – JANUARY 07: Event co-producer Sam Rubin attends the celebration of black cinema hosted by Broadcast Film Critics Association at House of Blues Sunset Strip on January 7, 2014 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images for BFCA)
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JANUARY 21: Bruce DuMont, President & founder of The Museum of Broadcast Communications and TV personality Sam Rubin attend the book launch of “Los Angeles Television” by author Joel Tator, presented by The Museum of Broadcast Communications at Universal City Hilton & Towers on January 21, 2015 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – JANUARY 21: TV personality Sam Rubin and author Joel Tator attend the book launch of “Los Angeles Television” by author Joel Tator, presented by The Museum of Broadcast Communications at Universal City Hilton & Towers on January 21, 2015 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 04: Reporter Sam Rubin attends the Premiere of Substance Over Hype’s “Two Bellmen Two” at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on February 4, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 11: TV personalities Jessica Holmes and Sam Rubin speak onstage during The 23rd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 19: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been shot in black and white. No color version available) KTLA Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin at the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards – Behind The Scenes Day 2 at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 27522_004 (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 19: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been shot in black and white. No color version available) KTLA Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin at the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards – Behind The Scenes Day 2 at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 27522_004 (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 19: Kathy Connell, SAG Awards Executive Producer, (L) and Sam Rubin, KTLA Entertainment Reporter, roll out the ceremonial red carpet in preparation for the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 19: Kathy Connell, SAG Awards Executive Producer, (L) and Sam Rubin, KTLA Entertainment Reporter, roll out the ceremonial red carpet in preparation for the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 07: Sam Rubin attends the Opening Of SiriusXM Pandora LA Studios on October 7, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Sam Rubin attends Project Angel Food’s 29th Annual Angel Awards on September 14, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Sam Rubin attends Project Angel Food’s 29th Annual Angel Awards on September 14, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Project Angel Food)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Sam Rubin at GBK Productions and WEN Presents A Luxury Lounge for TV’s Top Talent on September 20, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images for GBK Productions)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: KTLA’s Sam Rubin attends the Silver Carpet Roll Out Event for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 719737 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: (L-R) KTLA’s Sam Rubin, National Advertising Manager at Subaru of America Brian Cavallucci, and Public Information Director of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz attend the Silver Carpet Roll Out Event for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 719737 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: KTLA’s Sam Rubin attends the Silver Carpet Roll Out Event for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 719737 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: (L-R) KTLA’s Sam Rubin, National Advertising Manager at Subaru of America Brian Cavallucci, and Public Information Director of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz attend the Silver Carpet Roll Out Event for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 719737 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: (L-R) KTLA’s Sam Rubin, National Advertising Manager at Subaru of America Brian Cavallucci, Public Information Director of Los Angeles Department of Animal Services Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz, and SAG Awards Executive Producer Kathy Connell attend the Silver Carpet Roll Out Event for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 719737 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: (L-R) KTLA’s Sam Rubin and 26th SAG Awards Ambassador Logan Browning attend the Silver Carpet Roll Out Event for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. 726884 (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for Turner)
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Sam Rubin arrives at GBK Pre Oscar Gift Lounge at Kimpton La Peer Hotel on February 07, 2020 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for GBK Productions )
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 07: Sam Rubin and Gavin Keilly speak at GBK Pre Oscar Gift Lounge at Kimpton La Peer Hotel on February 07, 2020 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for GBK Productions )
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Pete Hammond and Sam Rubin speak onstage during the Fourth Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, presented by the Critics Choice Association at Fairmont Century Plaza on December 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Association)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Leslie Rubin and Sam Rubin attend the 36th Carousel of Hope Ball Honoring Diane Keaton at The Beverly Hilton on October 08, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 13: (L-R) Sam Rubin and Justina Machado speak onstage during The Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television at Fairmont Century Plaza on November 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Sam Rubin attends the GRAMMY Gift Lounge during the 65th GRAMMY Awards At Tom’s Watch Bar on February 02, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Sam Rubin attends the GRAMMY Gift Lounge during the 65th GRAMMY Awards At Tom’s Watch Bar on February 02, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – SEPTEMBER 18: Entertainment reporter Sam Rubin attends the DPA pre-Emmy Gift Lounge at the Peninsula Hotel on September 18, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)
PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 22: TV Personalities Ross King (R) and Sam Rubin are seen at the 3 Skin Leather Display at the Gibson Guitar Lounge on Main Street on January 22, 2006 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images for Kathy Carpenter Marketing)
LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 24: Sam Rubin and Howard Bragman attend the 2nd Annual Jewish Image Awards in Film and Television at the Four Seasons Hotel on September 24, 2002, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect)
PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 22: TV Personalities Ross King (L) and Sam Rubin are seen at the Escada Sport Display at the Gibson Guitar Lounge on Main Street on January 22, 2006 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images for Kathy Carpenter Marketing)
PARK CITY, UT – JANUARY 22: Producer Brad Luck, reporter Ross King, Reporter Sam Rubin and producer Grace Mendoza of the KTLA Entertainment team pose for a portrait at the Getty Images Portrait Studio during the 2006 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2006 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 24: Anchor Sam Rubin attend the KTLA-CW recieving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 24, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 29: TV news anchor Christine Devine (L) and TV host Sam Rubin attend the 61st Annual Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on August 29, 2009 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 14: Show host Sam Rubin speaks during the American Women in Radio and Television 2010 Genii Awards at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 14: Sam Rubin attends the American Women in Radio and Television 2010 Genii Awards at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 14, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
CENTURY CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Kenny Loggins, Alan Ritchson and Sam Rubin pose for a picture at the 2010 Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on November 18, 2010 in Century City, California. (Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images for Cedars-Sinai)
CENTURY CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Kenny Loggins and Sam Rubin pose for a picture at the 2010 Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on November 18, 2010 in Century City, California. (Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images for Cedars-Sinai)
CENTURY CITY, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Sam Rubin poses for a picture at the 2010 Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on November 18, 2010 in Century City, California. (Photo by Toby Canham/Getty Images for Cedars-Sinai)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – APRIL 09: Host Sam Rubin at the John Wayne Cancer Institutes 26th Annual Odyssey Show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 9, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by John M. Heller/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – APRIL 09: Host Sam Rubin at the John Wayne Cancer Institutes 26th Annual Odyssey Show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 9, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by John M. Heller/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – APRIL 09: Host Sam Rubin at the John Wayne Cancer Institutes 26th Annual Odyssey Show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 9, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by John M. Heller/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 20: Actress Zooey Deschanel and entertainment reporter Sam Rubin speak onstage at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards at Beverly Hills Hotel on June 20, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images For The Broadcast Television Journalists Association)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 20: Entertainment reporter Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards at Beverly Hills Hotel on June 20, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images For The Broadcast Television Journalists Association)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – AUGUST 13: Moderator, Sam Rubin for the television show “Kickin’ It” attends The Paley Center For Media’s “PaleyFest Family 2011” on August 13, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: Host Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: Host Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: Host Sam Rubin and actor John Goodman attend the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for BFCA)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: Host Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: Host Sam Rubin and Ben Affleck onstage at the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: (L-R) Host Sam Rubin, actors Jessica Chastain and Joseph Gordon-Levitt attend the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for BFCA)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 10: (L-R) Host Sam Rubin, actors Jessica Chastain, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Guest attend the 18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar on January 10, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for BFCA)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 28: Journalist Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the Reelz portion of the 2013 Summer Television Critics Association tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 28, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 28: Journalist Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the ReelzChannel portion of the 2013 Summer Television Critics Association tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 28, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for REELZ)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JULY 28: Journalist Sam Rubin speaks onstage at the ReelzChannel portion of the 2013 Summer Television Critics Association tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 28, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for REELZ)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 19: Sam Rubin and Josh Gelfand attend the Absolut ELYX And The Glenlivet Lounge At The Critics Choice Television Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 19, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rochelle Brodin/Getty Images for Pernod Ricard USA)

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Buckley, who paused to battle back tears as he spoke, added, “The role that he cherished most was husband and father.” Rubin is survived by his wife Leslie and four children.

“This is the moment when Sam would know exactly what to say,” Buckley said. “These are the kinds of stories that he excelled in, and (he would) say the right things about someone and put someone’s life into perspective.

“… This station is filled with great sadness — a shock to all of us. He was here yesterday with all of us and then called in sick, and then we learned the news this afternoon. So we’re not really sure what the circumstances are. … That’s what we know at this point, is that Sammy is gone.”

TMZ reported that Rubin suffered a fatal heart attack Friday morning. A KTLA source told Variety that Rubin died at his home in Brentwood.

“Sam lived life to the fullest,” Buckley said. “We don’t know exactly what happened, but we know that it was sudden because he was here yesterday.”

KTLA reporter/anchor Eric Spillman, also a longtime fixture at the station, called into the KTLA afternoon newscast and said, “I just can’t believe that we’re reporting this. It is such a shock.”

“Personally he was one of my best friends,” Spillman said. “We worked together every day for 33 years.”

KTLA technology reporter Rich DeMuro wrote on X that he is “in absolute shock.” He posted a picture of himself with Rubin and wrote, “Thinking the most of your family right now. So sorry. Morning news in Hollywood will never be the same without you.”

KTLA posted on X: “KTLA5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin. Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father, the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time.”

During his celebrated career, Rubin — an Occidental College graduate — collected multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Mike and Los Angeles Press Club awards for best entertainment reporter, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.

He was also a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the organization behind the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, an event Rubin hosted in 2013.

Rubin was also the owner of the SRE Inc. television production company, which according to his KTLA biography, has produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming, including the talk show “Hollywood Uncensored” and the “Live From” red carpet shows.

He was also known for his charitable efforts, annually promoting the Bay to Bay bike ride from Orange County to San Diego to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research.

Rubin was known for his easy-going interview style, which remained consistent whether talking to Hollywood’s biggest veteran stars or little-known up-and-coming performers.

“He made you feel special every single time, and I am not the only person who felt that warmth every time they sat down at your desk,” actor Henry Winkler told KTLA in a phone call from Pittsburgh. “… He made every human being feel so special — and that got them to open up like a flower. … He was interested in you as a professional, and he was interested in you as a human being.”

Winkler added, “He will just be so missed. I’m just overwhelmed.”

Director Paul Feig, whose credits include “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat,” wrote on X that he was “devastated by this news.”

“I truly loved Sam, who was so supportive of me and the industry in general,” Feig wrote. “He was the best. I can’t quite process him being gone. Sending so much love to his family and friends. So sad. RIP Sam. Love you, pal.”

Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer wrote, “So sad to learn what we’ve lost Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to see him and to be in his presence. My condolences to his family and fans.”

Actor Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) wrote, “I always enjoyed my time with Sam. Rest in Peace, Sir.”

Actress Joely Fisher added, “This is a shocking loss!!! RIP to my friend of so many years,” to which “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill added, “Gone way too soon.”

Actor Ben Stiller wrote, “So sad and sorry to hear of Sam Rubin’s passing. Consummate pro. I did my first interview with him in something like ’93, and countless times over the years. He loved actors and movies. He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy. He was an institution. We have lost him way too soon. Sending love to his family.”

Actor Greg Grunberg (“Alias,” “Heroes”) wrote, “I am numb and shocked at the news of my friend Sam Rubin passing. He cared about everyone that he met and always took the time to smile and ask about family and was the best at what he did. I can’t believe this news. So devastating and sad. Thinking about his beautiful family right now.”

Actor Michael McKean called Rubin a “genuinely good guy, and really the only game in town.”

Actress Morgan Fairchild wrote, “Sam was the sweetest, nicest guy in town!! Always kind & supportive! My last interview with him was for Matthew Perry’s death. I always went out of my way if he wanted an interview (because) he was just such a great guy! Beloved by all.”

The Critics Choice Awards issued a statement saying, “Sam’s generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of ‘Hollywood’ made him a legend in the entertainment business and a trusted friend to millions of viewers — and to hundreds of stars who relaxed in easy conversation with him on his set at KTLA and on countless red carpets.”

The Los Angeles Press Club said in a statement that the “Los Angeles journalism community has lost one of its shining stars. Entertainment reporting will not be the same without his distinctive voice.”