'Absolutely heartbreaking': Internet pays tribute to longtime KTLA entertainment reporter Sam Rubin who died at 64

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sam Rubin, the veteran Los Angeles entertainment reporter who was popular for his work at news station KTLA, died at the age of 64. KTLA confirmed his death in a statement on X on Friday, May 10.

“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,” it added.

Sam Rubin's manager also confirmed his death 

Rubin's manager, Jamie Gruttemeyer, also confirmed the news. "Morning news will never be the same. I think we all feel that losing Sam is like losing a close family friend... Someone who could always lift your spirits, someone who was welcome in your home, and always showed up with a smile on his face. Sam will be forever missed", he said,  as per People. 

Sam Rubin's cause of death 

Rubin, who has appeared on KTLA since 1991, reportedly died from a heart attack on May 10 after filming his regular Hollywood news segment, a source told Variety. 

The reporter built “a reputation as someone who goes beyond the entertainment headlines of the day. His insights and exploration of the deeper meaning and impact of the stories within the entertainment industry generate conversation within the business, as well as outside it,” according to his KTLA bio.

The iconic career at KTLA which spanned over 30 years, Rubin was known for interviewing numerous A-list stars at award shows, on red carpets and more.

Sam Rubin made appearances on BBC television

Besides his work for KTLA, Rubin made appearances on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom as well as served as a contributor to Triple M radio and Channel 9 television network in Australia.

Sam Rubin's impressive accolades

Rubin’s accolades include receiving multiple Emmy awards, a Golden Mike Award for best entertainment reporter and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association as well as being named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.

In 2013, he was also given the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism. The late reporter’s production company, SRE Inc., produced several live red carpet shows as well as more than 100 episodes of the talk show 'Hollywood Uncensored.'

In addition to his work on camera, Rubin who was a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association published his books and contributed to both print and online publications around the globe. He is survived by his wife Leslie and four children.

Internet pays tribute to Sam Rubin following his death

Internet users also paid tribute to Rubin following his death. One X user tweeted, "Absolutely heartbreaking. He was on air yesterday and looked fine. Wow, " "He was an LA institution and will be sorely missed," praised another user. "Absolutely devastating to the SoCal community loved seeing him on KTLA RIP Sam Rubin," tweeted another. 

"Such sad news. I can't imagine being you guys right now and having to go live on air with the news. I'm gonna go be sad now," wrote one while another tweeted, "The best man with the biggest heart. He will be deeply missed. Sending all of my love to Sam’s KTLA family and my dear friends, the Rubins. May his memory be a blessing, always." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.