Veteran KTLA reporter Sam Rubin has died at the age of 64.
The beloved host of Hollywood Uncensored passed away on Friday after being rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles, KTLA confirmed.
Rubin apparently suffered a heart attack at home after doing his regular Hollywood news segment in the morning, according to Variety.
He was transported to UCLA West Hills in an ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The reporter, who was on air just yesterday, worked at KTLA since 1991, covering entertainment, movies and TV.
Veteran reporter Sam Rubin has died at the age of 64 in Los Angeles, KTLA confirmed
Rubin apparently suffered a heart attack at home after doing his regular Hollywood news segment in the morning
He is survived by his wife Leslie and four children
Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin ran for 120 episodes, produced by his production company SRE, Inc.
SRE has also produced more than 200 hours of programming for broadcast and cable channels, including Live From red carpet shows.
Rubin was also a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics’ Association.
He is survived by his wife Leslie and four children.
In his last Instagram post, Rubin shared an interview with actress Jane Seymour.
Since the announcement of his passing, the network has posted a tribute and noted that Rubin’s ‘laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him’.
‘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.
‘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,’ the channel wrote on X.
Rubin interviewed some of the world’s most famous celebrities throughout his career
His KTLA colleagues have also made teary-eyed tributes to the veteran on-air.
Longtime morning anchor Frank Buckley said, ‘We don’t know what happened, but it was sudden’.
Meanwhile, Eric Spillman added, ‘I can’t believe we are reporting this — it is such a shock.’
Many entertainment reporters have expressed sadness over Rubin’s passing.
CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister said on X, ‘This is just awful. Life is so precious.
‘Growing up in LA, Sam Rubin was a mainstay — part of the fabric of the city because he was in our homes (on TV) for so long. I grew up watching him & always was excited to see him in action on red carpets. RIP.’
SRE has also produced over 200 hours of programming for broadcast and cable channels, including Live From red carpet shows
Actor Jerry O’Connell said: ‘Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest In Peace KING.’
An emotional Henry Winkler he called in during KTLA’s 1 pm broadcast on Friday and commented on the veteran journalist’s ‘warmth’ and ability to put his subjects at ease.
‘He made every human being feel so special, and he got them to open up like a flower,’ said the ‘Happy Days’ star. ‘He was interested in you as a professional, and he was interested in you as a human being.’
Perry Sook, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, called Rubin an icon and a beloved member.
‘Sam was an icon in Los Angeles and the entertainment industry and he was a beloved member of our Nexstar Nation. My prayers are with his family and the KTLA family as we mourn his passing. He will be missed,’ he said.
He had received multiple Emmys awards, a Golden Mic Award for best entertainment reporter and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
He was also named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.
In 2013, Rubin was awarded the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism.
Apart from this, he also supported several organizations including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour along with LA schools and literacy programs.