Hollywood Remembers Sam Rubin: “A Mensch With A Microphone”
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The news this morning of the death of entertainment journalist Sam Rubin has touched a nerve in Los Angeles, with his home base KTLA going live and commercial free with remembrances and tributes from the top of the 1 o’clock news through the station’s regularly-scheduled programming at 2 p.m. and right into the KTLA News at 3.
Among those calling in was Henry Winkler, who was one of Rubin’s favorite guests.
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“It’s the most horrible thing,” Winkler said via phone from an airport. “Two things I know: He made you feel special every single time [he interviewed you], and I am not the only person who felt that special warmth.”
Jerry O’Connell, another regular on the show, spoke with the anchors on air.
“The man was a legend. Everyone is going to have a story about how Mr. Rubin touched them, personally. My first live interview was with Sam at KTLA. The entertainment industry is a scary place, it is a competitive place…Sam greeted everyone with warmth and open arms.”
Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest In Peace KING. pic.twitter.com/KlvC6oiIJm
— Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) May 10, 2024
A noticeably-distraught Danny Trejo called in from Canada where he was traveling, saying of Rubin, “He was somebody if you met him, you’d call him a friend. I’m in Canada right now and they’re calling me and [I go], “Oh man, not my buddy” He was just a real sweetheart of a guy.” Trejo then asked the anchors to let him know about memorial services saying, “If I can, I’ll be there.”
Actor Greg Grunberg phoned in to pay tribute, dubbing Rubin “a mensch with a microphone,” and choking up as he thanked the anchors for allowing him time on-air to remember is friend. Grunberg also took to Twitter to express his feelings.
I am numb and shocked at the news of my friend Sam Rubin passing. He cared about everyone that he met and always took the time to smile and ask about family and was the best at what he did. I can’t believe this news. So devastating and sad. Thinking about his beautiful family… pic.twitter.com/xthdAOvGha
— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) May 10, 2024
Former NCIS star Pauley Perrette told KTLA, “I just can’t believe this. Sam was so different than everyone else in this whole industry. Part of that job is just endless interviews, and it just wasn’t my favorite part of the job. But Sam was different.”
Barbara Beck, one of the original co-hosts of the KTLA Morning News, also remembered her colleague. “I have already been asked, ‘How will they (KTLA) replace Sam Rubin?’ There is only one answer: ‘That’s impossible.’ Rest in peace, Sammy.”
RIP Sam Rubin https://t.co/FhHzsa750D
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 11, 2024
So sad and sorry to hear of Sam Rubin’s passing. Consummate pro. I did my first interview with him in something like ‘93, and countless times over the years. He loved actors and movies. He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy. He was an institution. We…
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 10, 2024
Devastated by this news. I truly loved Sam, who was so supportive of me and the industry in general. He was the best. I can’t quite process him being gone. Sending so much love to his family and friends. So sad. RIP Sam. Love you, pal. https://t.co/w4TxOcSsZa
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) May 10, 2024
I last talked to Sam Rubin at the Critics Choice Awards this year. His smile and his genuine excitement for all things Hollywood ever present. In nervous situations he was a buoy of kindness. I will miss him. pic.twitter.com/rAG8DZ777q
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) May 10, 2024
So sad to learn that we’ve lost Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to see him and to be in his presence. My condolences to his family and fans. https://t.co/xWDA8wY787
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) May 10, 2024
Condolences to the family of @SamOnTV. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 10, 2024
This is shocking news. @SamKTLA was a friend. I enjoyed all the times I got to visit him at KTLA.
Life is short. Live, love and laugh every chance you get. And let the folks you love know that you do. ❤️ https://t.co/INaLghcwla— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) May 10, 2024
Sam was a genuine sweetheart- entirely a gentleman https://t.co/nc4sS3t2eT
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) May 10, 2024
This is a shocking loss!!! #RIP to my friend of so many years https://t.co/aFdWoHhOk1
— Joely Fisher (@MsJoelyFisher) May 10, 2024
We are sad to hear about the sudden passing of TV icon Sam Rubin! SPJ/LA sends condolences to his family and everyone at @KTLA https://t.co/T5uJgiextb
— SPJLA (@SPJLA) May 10, 2024
Ohhh @SamOnTV , such sad news. You were an important part of our industry for so long. Sending condolences to your loved ones and the @KTLA family #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/mJUDVLOkaw
— Sharon Lawrence (@sharonlawrence) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin…always a gentleman. He was the President of entertainment news in this business. Kind, funny and the best at this job. He will be sorely missed. 💔@KTLA @KTLAMorningNews
— Nischelle Turner (@nischelleturner) May 10, 2024
RIP
KTLA Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin Dead from Heart Attack at 64 https://t.co/tGPTWt354K— Josh Mankiewicz (@JoshMankiewicz) May 10, 2024
So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of the great journalist Sam Rubin. My condolences to his family and loved ones and everyone at KTLA. I will say from personal experience Sam was always incredibly funny, kind, welcoming, and prepared during the many interviews he has done… https://t.co/qluDENfCVz
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) May 10, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin Dead: KTLA Entertainment Reporter Was 64 https://t.co/Y4teJQxkPJ
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) May 10, 2024
@SamOnTV @KTLA I am so sorry to hear about my friend Sam Rubin going to heaven. I have known him for decades. He was always interested in my projects and always laughed at my silly jokes.
Sam you will be missed…
Love,
Richard Simmons— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) May 10, 2024
He was an LA institution and will be sorely missed.
💜🙏🏾— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) May 10, 2024
I am numb and shocked at the news of my friend Sam Rubin passing. He cared about everyone that he met and always took the time to smile and ask about family and was the best at what he did. I can’t believe this news. So devastating and sad. Thinking about his beautiful family… pic.twitter.com/xthdAOvGha
— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) May 10, 2024
Everyone in our business loved Sam. Everyone.
Let’s hold his family in our hearts and help how we can. #ripSamRubin— Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) May 10, 2024
Truly heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Sam Rubin from KTLA morning news. He made my mornings, my band and me, more interesting and entertaining than they deserved to be…
Thank you Sam, Rest Easy 🙏💚 pic.twitter.com/xkqGMeyKyV— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) May 10, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin. He loved movies and was always smiling when he was at the theatre. It was a treat for us whenever he came by for a story. This picture is from when he did a mini-handprint on a Countdown to the Oscars Show. Our hearts go out to his family and everyone at KTLA. pic.twitter.com/jyY7qgU7NH
— TCL Chinese Theatres (@ChineseTheatres) May 10, 2024
We are saddened to learn of broadcaster Sam Rubin's untimely passing. An LA morning news fixture & entertainment reporter, Sam worked at @KTLA for 30+ years covering the industry. Condolences to his wife, 4 children & colleagues. #SagAftraMember since 1988 https://t.co/X0RF5p7vJB
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 10, 2024
#RIP, Sam Rubin. Growing up in LA, I watched your career for many years. Too soon, too sudden.https://t.co/TacSxSG9SP
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) May 10, 2024
I don’t think there was ever a person who loved his job more than Sam Rubin did He was always a BLAST! My heart goes out to his beautiful family at home & his incredible family at KTLA. You could feel the love when you walked on set. And Sam was the heart and hearth! #TheGOAT
— Marilu Henner (@TheRealMarilu) May 10, 2024
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