Friends, celebrities and loved ones are paying tribute to the legacy left behind by Sam Rubin, KTLA’s iconic entertainment news reporter who died Friday at the age of 64.
Heartfelt messages of love and memories poured in across social media, with many remembering Rubin’s lively personality, sharp wit, and the unforgettable impact of his presence and dedication to his craft.
Rubin spent his career interviewing countless notable figures in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, a role he treasured dearly.
Below, Hollywood pays tribute to a Los Angeles legend:
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
Today we lost LA legend Sam Rubin from @KTLAMorningNews I had the privilege of doing countless segments with him over the last 15+ years. In studio or on the streets it was always a pleasure. I will miss you Sam. Thank you 😥 pic.twitter.com/5pyxdOv5Pl
— G a b r i e l – I g l e s i a s (@fluffyguy) 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
Like many actors, I have been interviewed by Sam Rubin many times, whether on the red carpet or when I would call into KTLA’s morning show.
Sam was a true gentleman; he made the people he interviewed feel incredibly comfortable and safe, which is why he got many meaningful and… pic.twitter.com/6HzoDcboln
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) May 11, 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
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
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
Gone too soon… Sam Rubin – born in San Diego and an LA local like me- was always so kind on carpets and in the studio. I so appreciated having his support and kindness which I knew my mom could tune in and watch on our local KTLA station whenever he had me on. Sam was a real ray… pic.twitter.com/kXZ2JvLSna
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) May 11, 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
Heartbreaking. Love to everyone at @KTLA and love to his beloved wife and children. Sam Rubin was a consummate pro, he was hilarious and he had a huge heart. It was always a joy and a privilege to get a chance to talk with him. Sam will be deeply missed. May his memory be a… https://t.co/Bk8TemBMum
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin, KTLA entertainment reporter was a lovely man and a real friend to our entertainment community. His untimely passing is a sad loss. Sympathies to his family and loved ones. #RIPSamRubin
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) May 11, 2024
Terribly sad news. I’ve been a friend and fan of Sam Rubin and KTLA since he started. He was the best absolute best. Kind and funny. Sam was even a better father. I’m so sorry for his family 💔 https://t.co/cI2pKGOe0R
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) May 11, 2024
This is heartbreaking. Sam Rubin was a Los Angeles institution and so full of life. He was great at his job—which he loved—but most importantly he was always kind and gracious. Sending love to his family. https://t.co/YcnJLY2rGi
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) 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
We lost a good one today Sam Rubin was one of those warm and wonderful people who just made the world a better place💔
— patrick warburton (@paddywarbucks) May 10, 2024
Seeing all the tributes to Sam Rubin here from actors, directors and colleagues tells you how much Sam was respected and beloved. Sam was a true pro who clearly loved his work. My condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.https://t.co/ZvbYgLQXwu
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) May 11, 2024
He was an LA institution and will be sorely missed.
💜🙏🏾— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin was an excellent and enthusiastic reporter. I had the great honor of his repeated interest on the @KTLAMorningNews over the years.
We are better because he was here.
RIP @SamOnTV. @KTLA— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 10, 2024
R.I.P. to Sam Rubin from @KTLA
What a wonderful, fun loving guy!
He was always so much fun to be around,
both ON & OFF Air.
YOU WILL BE MISSED SAMMY…— Roger Lodge (@RogerLodge7) May 10, 2024
The Critics Choice Association is devastated by the sudden loss of our dear friend Sam Rubin, a longtime member of our Board of Directors and a guiding force throughout our 30-year history.
Sam’s generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of “Hollywood” made him a… pic.twitter.com/Lq2gPHnU8E
— Critics Choice Awards (@CriticsChoice) May 10, 2024
Gutted to hear this! Sam Rubin was the best of the best, just saw him a few weeks ago. He was always authentic and kind, a true loss for all of us and @KTLA. pic.twitter.com/zfG9oCgRtB
— Kate Flannery (@KateFlannery) May 10, 2024
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 This hurts deep! There wasn’t even one time when I asked to come on KTLA to promote something that was important to me over the last few decades where I was told no…. Sam Rubin was always so gracious, so generous, so lovely and such an icon in Los Angeles.… pic.twitter.com/pMNpR4TWW1
— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) May 11, 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
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
Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sam Rubin.
Sam’s impact on local journalism in LA will be felt for years to come. We pray for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/9yGGmVY1xo
— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) May 10, 2024
This story will be updated as more tributes are posted throughout the night.
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