Sam Rubin, Legendary TV Anchor, Dead at 64

Sam Rubin

Sam Rubin, a longtime entertainment news anchor in Los Angeles, died on Friday, May 10. He was 64.

Details surrounding Rubin’s death were not immediately clear. However, KTLA, the station he worked at for more than three decades, reported it was sudden.

Rubin joined KTLA Morning News in 1991. During his time with KTLA, he identified himself as a reporter who went “beyond the entertainment headlines of the day,” according to his profile on the station’s website. His work there earned him multiple Emmy Awards and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, among other accolades.

While reporting Rubin’s death live on air, KTLA newscaster Frank Buckley remembered his late colleague by telling viewers, “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 on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him,” Buckley added.

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In a statement shared on Instagram, the station said it was “profoundly saddened” by Rubin’s passing.

"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 said. “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.”

Many celebrities with whom Rubin interacted while on the job also took a moment on Friday to reflect on the time they had shared with the late journalist.

Happy Days actor Henry Winkler addressed the “terrible loss” on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “IT WAS ALWAYS a pleasure to be on set with Sam . He will be Sorely missed . We winklers are so saddened by this horrible news . THANK YOU for your constant support ! Love, Henry.”

Fitness personality Richard Simmons wrote that he was “so sorry” to learn of the passing of his “friend.”

“I have known him for decades,” Simmons tweeted. “He was always interested in my projects and always laughed at my silly jokes. Sam you will be missed… Love,Richard Simmons.”

Zoolander star Ben Stiller similarly paid tribute to the “consummate pro” on X.

“I did my first interview with him in something like ‘93, and countless times over the years,” Stiller recalled. “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. ”

The Help actress Octavia Spencer also offered her condolences to Rubin’s “family and fans” on X.

“So sad to learn that we’ve lost Sam Rubin,” her tweet said. “It was always a pleasure to see him and to be in his presence.”

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