Sam Rubin, a beloved Los Angeles entertainment journalist, has tragically passed away.
According to Daily Mail, the venerable KTLA reporter died following a heart attack at his home, marking the end of an illustrious career in media.
Rubin, 64, suffered a heart attack shortly after hosting his regular segment on Hollywood on Friday. He was urgently transported to UCLA West Hills Hospital, where he was declared deceased upon arrival. Sam Rubin had become an iconic figure in Los Angeles, having covered the entertainment industry since 1991 for KTLA. His insightful coverage of movies, TV shows, and Hollywood celebrity life made him a household name.
In addition to his journalism career, Rubin was also the host of "Hollywood Uncensored", a show that aired 120 episodes, exploring various entertainment topics. Beyond the screen, he championed a successful stint in production, running SRE, Inc., which produced over 200 hours of programming, including specialized red-carpet coverage.
Rubin’s personal life was as full as his professional one. He is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their four children. His last social media post featured an engaging interview with actress Jane Seymour, illustrating his continued passion for his work until the end.
Perry Sook, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, expressed his sorrow, highlighting Rubin's status not just in Los Angeles but also within the entertainment community nationally. "Sam was an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry and he was a beloved member of our Nexstar Nation. My prayers are with his family and the KTLA family as we mourn his passing."
KTLA's announcement of Rubin's passing conveyed the deep collective grief of the station. "KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin. Sam was a giant in the local news and entertainment industries and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades."
Colleagues who worked with Rubin were visibly shaken by the news. Eric Spillman tugged at the community's heartstrings when he revealed the shock about Rubin's sudden demise. "I can’t believe we are reporting this — it is such a shock."
Henry Winkler, an actor and one of Rubin's long-time interviewees, shared his personal experiences in a heartfelt tribute. He made every human being feel so special and allowed 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.
Rubin's impact was also recognized through multiple awards, including Emmys and a Golden Mic award, plus a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. In 2013, he received the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award, celebrating his influence on entertainment journalism.
Beyond his television and production roles, Rubin was profoundly involved in charitable activities in Los Angeles. He participated in events like the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour and supported various literacy programs, showing his commitment to communal upliftment.
As news of Rubin's passing circulates, the entertainment and broadcasting world, as well as viewers at home, remember him not just for his contributions to journalism but as a pivotal figure who brought Hollywood into their lives.
In conclusion, Sam Rubin’s sudden departure is not just the loss of a staple in morning television but also of a community figure who enriched the lives of many through his journalism and philanthropy. His legacy, imprinted on the various roles he inhabited, from reporter to producer to host, will live on in the many lives he touched.
