RYAN Seacrest has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the late Sam Rubin after the beloved TV anchor’s abrupt death.
The award-winning Los Angeles journalist passed away suddenly on Friday, May 10, at just 64.
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Ryan, 49, took to Instagram to share a photo commemorating the loss shortly after it was announced.
He stood alongside Sam, and they donned TV-ready smiles at Disneyland after Sam interviewed him late last month.
The American Idol judge and soon-to-be Wheel of Fortune host rocked a black suit and was beaming.
Sam donned a navy suit and had his arm around Ryan.
‘ALWAYS IMPRESSED ME’
In his caption, Ryan shared that he once filled in for the TV anchor, and it was one of his first major gigs.
“Early in my career, one of my first live roles on Los Angeles TV was filling in for Sam when he was on vacation,” he wrote.
“His charm, his fun spirit, and his professionalism always impressed me.
My condolences to his family and his KTLA family. He’ll be missed by us all.”
‘SO VERY SAD’
Fans flooded Ryan’s tribute, mourning the loss and expressing shock at how recently the two were together.
“Crazy that this photo of you two was taken so recently and now he’s gone. Tomorrow is not promised, RIP Sam Rubin,” one comment read.
“Very sad day. I can’t stop watching the great memories they are sharing on KTLA. Been. Faithful viewer since the Sam Carlos Barbara Mark Gail days. Rest in peace Sam,” wrote another.
“So sorry for your loss Ryan we have watched you and Sam throughout the years and this breaks my heart,” wrote a third.
“So very sad. he was such a gentleman those times I got to be on KTLA with him. a tremendous loss. prayers to his family today. #rip sam,” wrote a fourth.
‘ENJOYED CATCHING UP’
Sam interviewed Ryan on April 29, 2024, and shared footage from the interview on his Instagram.
Ryan wanted to make clear they were on the same footing, talking about his KISS-LA gig while clarifying “in our business” to Sam.
Sam captioned the post, “Enjoyed catching up with @ryanseacrest in Disneyland. We’ll be running that full conversation soon. Meantime, here’s a sneak peek…”
Ryan was one of Sam’s last A-list interviews, his final post saw him excitedly teasing an interview with Jane Seymore.
TRAGIC LOSS
Sam passed away in a Los Angeles hospital after an unexpected incident over the weekend.
He suffered a fatal heart attack after doing his regular Hollywood news segment on Friday, according to Variety.
The news anchor was rushed from his home to a Los Angeles hospital, where he went into full cardiac arrest, per TMZ.
The TV show This Morning took to Instagram with “heavy hearts” to pay tribute to the late Hollywood Reporter.
In part, the statement read: “He woke up Tinseltown every day for decades with his likeable charm and knowledgeable take on the movie world, he was on first name terms with the stars and became affectionately known as ‘ Hollywood Sam’. We will miss him.”
BELOVED TV FIXTURE
Sam was a longtime reporter known for his coverage in the Los Angeles area.
He worked at KTLA, an affiliate of The CW, since 1991 and usually covered entertainment, movie, and TV news.
Rubin was also a part of the showbiz segment for ITV’s This Morning.
The multiple Emmy Award winner was once named the best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.
His entertainment coverage earned him a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
The decorated journalist interviewed many A-List celebrities over the years.
He sat down with Mariah Carey, Zendaya, and Usher throughout his illustrious career.
Sam Rubin is survived by his widow, Leslie, and their four children.
The family lived together in their Brentwood home.
A-LISTERS FLOOD SOCIAL MEDIA
Several other A-listers took to social media on Friday after they learned about Rubin’s passing.
“Sam Rubin, you will be missed. A good guy that Sam,” actor Tom Hanks wrote on Instagram.
“RIP Sam Rubin… Your professionalism was unmatched by your kindness and humanity. I will miss your presence on The Red Carpet. God bless your loved ones. Godspeed,” actress Viola Davis said on Instagram.
“Even if I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even if HE was on his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity, and an outside-the-box question,” actor Ryan Renolds commented.
Actor Ben Stiller called Rubin a “consummate pro” and expressed his sadness after hearing about his death.
“I did my first interview with him in something like ’93, and countless times over the years He loved actors and movies,” Stiller wrote on X.
“He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy. He was an institution. We have lost him way too soon.”
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