LOS ANGELES entertainment reporter Sam Rubin has died.
The longtime KTLA news anchor was 64.
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A source told Variety Rubin suffered a heart attack after doing his regular Hollywood news segment early Friday morning.
He was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital from his home, where he went into full cardiac arrest, according to TMZ.
KTLA also confirmed the news on Friday afternoon.
“KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin,” the news outlet wrote on X.
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“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.”
In a live announcement on KTLA, Rubin’s colleague, Frank Buckley, said, “The Sam that you saw on the air is the Sam that was off the air.
“To all of us he shared his mornings with us on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him.”
Another one of his colleagues, producer Ashley Regan, shared her sadness after hearing the news.
“Today Los Angeles lost an icon and KTLA lost a family member. I’ll be forever grateful for the privilege of working in a newsroom with Sam. What a terrible loss,” Regan wrote on X.
Rubin was well-known for his celebrity coverage in the Los Angeles area.
He joined KTLA morning news show in 1991.
The 64-year-old was a multi-time Emmy winner and the host of Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin, which produced over 100 episodes.
His production company, SRE Inc., produced more than 200 hours of shows, including the popular live from the red carpet shows.
Sam Rubin was a legend. Rest in peace king.
Jerry O’Connell
Rubin received the Golden Mike Award, a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, per KTLA.
He was also one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest organization of broadcast and film critics in the US with more than 200 members.
Several people took to social media on Friday after they learned about Rubin’s passing.
“Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest in Peace KING,” actor Jerry O’Connell wrote on X.
Actor Ben Stiller called Rubin a “consummate pro” and said he was saddened 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.”
The Critics Choice Association said they were “devastated by the sudden loss” of Rubin, whom they called a guiding force.
“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,” they wrote on X.
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