Sam Rubin, the longtime Los Angeles entertainment reporter known for his work at news station KTLA, has died. He was 64.
KTLA confirmed his death in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, May 10.
“KTLA 5 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,” the statement read. “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.”
Rubin’s manager, Jamie Gruttemeyer, also confirmed the news in a statement to PEOPLE: “Morning news will never be the same. I think we all feel that losing Sam is like losing a close family friend… Someone who could always lift your spirits, someone who was welcome in your home, and always showed up with a smile on his face. Sam will be forever missed.”
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Rubin — who has appeared on KTLA since 1991 — reportedly died from a heart attack on May 10 after filming his regular Hollywood news segment, a source told Variety.
The reporter built “a reputation as someone who goes beyond the entertainment headlines of the day. His insights and exploration of the deeper meaning and impact of the stories within the entertainment industry generate conversation within the business, as well as outside it,” according to his KTLA bio.
Over his more than three decades at KTLA, Rubin was known for interviewing numerous A-list stars at award shows, on red carpets and more.
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In addition to his work from KTLA, Rubin made appearances on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom as well as served as contributor to Triple M radio and Channel 9 television network in Australia.
Rubin’s accolades include receiving multiple Emmy awards, a Golden Mike Award for best entertainment reporter and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association as well as being named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.
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In 2013, he was also given the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism.
The late reporter’s production company, SRE, Inc., produced several Live From red carpet shows as well as more than 100 episodes of the talk show Hollywood Uncensored.
In addition to his work on camera, Rubin — who was a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association — published his books, and contributed to both print and online publications around the globe.
He is survived by his wife Leslie and four children.
