Sam Rubin, longtime KTLA news anchor who interviewed the stars, dies at 64: 'Unthinkable'

Sam Rubin, a veteran entertainment reporter and staple on local Los Angeles news station KTLA, has died at 64 years old.

As KTLA opened its 1 p.m. newscast on Friday, a group of the newsroom's anchors announced the devastating news that their colleague had died. His cause of death was unknown.

"The station is filled with great sadness," anchor Frank Buckley said with tears in his eyes. "(Rubin) was here yesterday with us and called in sick. We learned the news this afternoon."

"We don't know what exactly happened but we know it was sudden because he was here yesterday. Just over 24 hours ago we were sitting with him on this set," Buckley added.

"That's what we know: Sam, he's gone," he said.

Rubin, who joined the newsroom in 1991, was a fixture at red-carpet events and Hollywood awards shows, often speaking with A-list stars about their latest projects.

"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 news station shared in a social media statement Friday.

"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."

Henry Winkler calls Sam Rubin's death 'unthinkable'

During the broadcast, the anchors spoke with several of Rubin's friends and colleagues who recalled their favorite memories with the journalist. Henry Winkler called in from an airport to share his condolences with Rubin's coworkers and family.

"It's the most horrible thing. Two things I know: He made you feel special every single time, and I am not the only person who felt that warmth every time they sat down at your desk," Winkler said. "Respectful was the very core of him. His warmth, it was like you were the only person he knew in the industry. ... It was you in that seat and that was all that mattered."

He continued, "He will just be so missed. I'm just so overwhelmed that he's not here. ... It's still unthinkable."

The anchors also spoke with actor Jerry O'Connell, who recalled that his first interview was with Rubin at KTLA's old studio.

"The entertainment industry lost an icon today," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam Rubin dies: Los Angeles KTLA news anchor dead at 64