Sam Rubin, a popular entertainment reporter on KTLA since 1991, died Friday. He was 64.
A source close to the station confirmed that Rubin died at his home of a heart attack after doing his regular Hollywood news segments on KTLA’s 7-9 a.m. “Morning News” program on Friday.
Rubin was a fixture in Hollywood who enjoy rare longevity with a single station throughout his career. On camera, Rubin was unfailingly jocular and warm, often talking about his off-air activities with his wife and four children. Chatting with Rubin live on KTLA has long been a staple of any publicity tour for stars of movies, TV shows, concert tours and anything else involving entertainment.
As an anchor and reporter in Hollywood’s backyard, Rubin also covered the inner workings of Hollywood, usually offering a fan’s “gee whiz” perspective on the machinations of studios and networks and the excesses of the rich and famous.
Popular on PvNew
“I feel like everyone is going to feel like they lost a family friend,” said publicist Jamie Gruttemeyer Symonds in response to the news of Rubin’s death.
In addition to his work as an anchor, Rubin’s television production company SRE, Inc. has produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming including “Live From” red carpet shows and 120 episodes of talk show “Hollywood Uncensored.”
In the mid-1990s, Rubin teamed with his crosstown rival, KTTV entertainment reporter Dorothy Lucey, as hosts of the daytime syndicated talk show “Sam & Dorothy,” which had a short run.
Rubin was the recipient of a Golden Mic award, a lifetime achievement award from Southern California Broadcasters Association and winner of best entertainment reporter from the Los Angeles Press Club.
According to his KTLA bio, he supported several organizations including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour and supports L.A. schools and literacy programs.
A graduate of Occidental College, he is survived by his wife and four children.
