Sam Rubin, KTLA 5 News legend, dies at 64

Sam Rubinone of the most respected and connected entertainment hosts in the history of broadcasting, died suddenly in Los Angeles on Friday at the age of 64.

The circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed. Rubin was on the air Thursday and showed no outward signs of illness, employees said.

Rubin joined KTLA 5 Morning News in 1991 and immediately impressed with his encyclopedic knowledge of film and television and his infectious charm. His news reports, interviews and feature segments were central to the morning show and a hallmark of the KTLA brand.

“The Sam you saw on the air is the Sam that wasn’t on the air,” said Rubin’s longtime colleague and friend Frank Buckley as he announced his death on live television. “Our hearts are broken. For all of us with whom he shared his mornings on television and for those he worked with behind the scenes… we will not forget him. Quite simply, Sam was KTLA.”

Rubin’s sudden death shocked his colleagues, many of whom reflected on his influence during KTLA’s live coverage.

“When a famous person died, he would write the most touching and moving obituaries and shine a light on their life in a way that was truly a talent,” recalls Eric Spillman, who also began working at KTLA in 1991. “Now “Are we able to talk about his career and his life and give him perspective and give him the dignity he deserves… I’m at a loss for words.”

“Everyone in Hollywood knows Sam Rubin. Everyone loves him. He was my friend,” said KTLA 5 Morning News weather anchor Mark Kriski.

In a city known for its larger-than-life stars, Rubin was in a league of her own. Tom Hanks once called him “The Moses of Hollywood Moguls.”

Every weekday morning, television viewers were treated to celebrity interviews with Hollywood legends as well as up-and-coming actors and filmmakers. For many of them, the interviews were a rite of passage.

“He always made you feel special, and I’m not the only one who felt that warmth,” said actor Henry Winkler. “When you were interviewed by him, there was no one after you, no one before you at that desk. You were in that seat and that was all that mattered.”

Other honorees during KTLA’s live coverage included LA native actor Danny Trejo, television host Mario Lopez, Leeza Gibbons, game show host Bob Eubanks and Mary Hart.

Social media was also flooded with memories.

“He was an institution. We lost him way too soon,” said Ben Stiller.

Sam’s ties to Southern California were deep. He was born in San Diego in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College in LA before starting his career as a local journalist.

Over the years, Rubin won numerous awards, including Emmys, a Golden Mike for best entertainment reporter and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. He was also a fixture at the Oscars, Emmys and Critics Choice Awards galas, and his red carpet interviews with celebrities often felt like a reunion with old friends.

“The last time I spoke to Sam Rubin was at the Critics Choice Awards this year,” actor Keifer Sutherland wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “His smile and genuine enthusiasm for all things Hollywood. In nervous situations he was a comfort of kindness. I will miss him.”

Outside of the air, Sam supported a variety of nonprofit organizations and was particularly proud of organizing the KTLA team for the annual MS 150 Bay to Bay Bike Tour, a premier cycling event that raises funds to find a cure for multiple sclerosis .

“Sam was the kindest, warmest soul in this crazy town,” said actor Jerry O’Connell.

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