Sam Rubin, KTLA entertainment reporter, dead at 64

Stephanie Webber
·2 min read
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Beloved entertainment journalist Sam Rubin died on Friday. He was 64.

Rubin reportedly suffered a heart attack at his home, per TMZ. He was transported to UCLA West Hills by ambulance at the time.

According to Variety, the incident occurred after he conducted his regular Hollywood news segments on KTLA’s 7-9 a.m. “Morning News” program on Friday.

KTLA confirmed his death in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter).

SAG Awards executive producer Kathy Connell and Sam Rubin in LA in 2018. Getty Images
SAG Awards executive producer Kathy Connell and Sam Rubin in LA in 2018. Getty Images
Sam Rubin and Justina Machado speak onstage during the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Latino Cinema in 2022. Getty Images for Critics Choice Association
Sam Rubin and Justina Machado speak onstage during the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Latino Cinema in 2022. Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

“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 statement read. “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.”

Rubin, a graduate of LA’s Occidental College, joined KTLA in 1991. He was a staple on red carpets through the years, and hosted the station’s “Live From the Academy Awards” segment. Outside Hollywood, he appeared on BBC’s TV and radio segments and Channel 9 in Australia.

Some of the A-listers he’s interviewed include Zendaya, Mariah Carey, Sting, Usher and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

He was also one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics’ Association and led his own show, “Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin,” for 120 episodes.

Sam Rubin reportedly suffered the medical emergency at his home, where he went into cardiac arrest. WireImage for The Artists Project
Sam Rubin reportedly suffered the medical emergency at his home, where he went into cardiac arrest. WireImage for The Artists Project
Sam Rubin and Leslie Rubin attend the 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton. Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation
Sam Rubin and Leslie Rubin attend the 2022 Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton. Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation

Rubin received several accolades during his career. He was also honored by the National Hispanic Media Coalition in 2013, receiving its annual Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism.

Additionally, he was a recipient of a Golden Mic award, a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, and was named the best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.

Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their four children.