Sam Rubin, one of the most recognizable and likeable entertainment reporters in the business and a fixture on the KTLA Morning News since 1991, died Friday at age 64.
TMZ reported that Rubin suffered a fatal heart attack Friday morning. A KTLA source told Variety that Rubin died at his home in Brentwood.
KTLA technology reporter Rich DeMuro wrote on X that he is “in absolute shock.” He posted a picture of himself with Rubin and wrote, “Thinking the most of your family right now. So sorry. Morning news in Hollywood will never be the same without you.”
During his celebrated career, Rubin collected multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Mike and Los Angeles Press Club awards for best entertainment reporter, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
He was also a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the organization behind the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, an event Rubin hosted in 2013.
Rubin was also the owner of the SRE Inc. television production company, which according to his KTLA biography, has produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming, including the talk show “Hollywood Uncensored” and the “Live From” red carpet shows.
He was also known for his charitable efforts, annually promoting an annual bike ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research.
A graduate of Occidental College, Rubin is survived by his wife Leslie and their four children.