Veteran broadcaster Sam Rubin passed away at the age of 64 after suffering a fatal heart attack in his Hollywood home in Los Angeles. ITV, where he worked as a Hollywood reporter, led the tributes to him, expressing their heavy hearts at the news. Rubin was known for his charm and knowledge of the movie world, regularly appearing on This Morning in the UK. Colleagues and stars took to social media to pay their respects, with Rylan Clarke and Ben Stiller remembering Rubin as a consummate professional who loved actors and movies.
Rubin was transported to UCLA West Hills in an ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival. He had been working at KTLA since 1991, covering entertainment, movies, and TV. He was happily married to Leslie Gale Shuman and had two children with her. Before Leslie, Rubin was previously married to Julie Anderson and also had two children with her. Rubin hosted the show Hollywood Uncensored, produced by his production company SRE, Inc., which also produced a variety of programming for broadcast and cable channels. He was a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics’ Association and had received multiple awards for his work, including Emmys and a Golden Mic Award.
After his passing, KTLA 5 paid tribute to Rubin, describing him as a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, known for his laugh, charm, and caring personality. Colleagues at KTLA, including Frank Buckley, Eric Spillman, and Elizabeth Wagmeister, expressed shock and sadness at the news. Fellow actors and celebrities, such as Henry Winkler and Jerry O’Connell, also shared their condolences and memories of Rubin. Perry Sook, chairman and CEO of Nexstar, referred to Rubin as an icon and a beloved member of the community.
Rubin’s impact extended beyond his work in broadcast journalism, as he supported various organizations and causes including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour and LA schools and literacy programs. In 2013, he received the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism. His sudden passing was met with an outpouring of tributes and memories from colleagues, friends, and fans who knew Rubin as a warm, caring, and special individual who made everyone feel comfortable. He will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment world and the impact he had on those who knew him.
