Karl Stefanovic has shared an emotional tribute to Today correspondent Sam Rubin following his shocking death at the age of 64.
The beloved host of Hollywood Uncensored died Friday after being rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles, KTLA confirmed.
Channel Nine breakfast show host Karl shared a photo with Sam on the set of LA-based TV station KTLA on Instagram on Saturday morning.
“I have absolutely loved every second of working with @samontv, both on and off air, over the last twenty years. His mind. His laugh. His warm, caring nature,” he wrote.
‘He was a beautiful man. What a loss. All our love to his family. And to his TV family at @ktla5news @ktla_entertainment.’
Karl Stefanovic has shared an emotional tribute to Today correspondent Sam Rubin following his shocking death at the age of 64. Stefanovic pictured with Rubin on the set of LA-based TV station KTLA
Rubin apparently suffered a heart attack at home after doing his regular Hollywood news segment Friday morning Variety.
He was transported to UCLA West Hills in an ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The reporter, who was on air yesterday, had worked at KTLA since 1991, covering entertainment, movies and TV.
He also worked with the Australian breakfast shows Today and Today Extra.
“I have absolutely loved every second of working with @samontv, both on and off air, over the last twenty years. His mind. His laugh. His warm caring nature. He was a beautiful man. What a loss. All our love to his family. And to his TV family at @ktla5news @ktla_entertainment,” Karl wrote on Instagram
Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin lasted 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.
Veteran reporter Rubin died at age 64 in Los Angeles, KTLA confirmed
In his latest Instagram post, Rubin shared an interview with actress Jane Seymour.
Since announcing his death, the network has posted a tribute, noting that Rubin’s “laughter, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him.”
“KTLA 5 is deeply saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin. Sam was a giant in the local news industry and entertainment world, and a fixture on Los Angeles morning television for decades.
“His smile, charm and caring personality touched everyone who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family at this difficult time,” the station wrote on X.
His KTLA colleagues also paid teary-eyed tributes to the on-air veteran.
Longtime morning anchor Frank Buckley said: “We don’t know what happened, but it was sudden.”
He is survived by his wife Leslie and four children
Meanwhile, Eric Spillman added, “I can’t believe we’re reporting this; it’s such a shock.’
Many entertainment reporters have expressed their sadness over Rubin’s passing.
CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister said on X: ‘This is just terrible. Life is so precious.
“Sam Rubin grew up in LA and was a mainstay – part of the city because he was in our house (on TV) for so long. I grew up watching him and was always excited to see him in action on the red carpet. REST IN PEACE.’
Actor Jerry O’Connell said, “Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest in peace KING.”
An emotional Henry Winkler called in during KTLA’s 1 p.m. broadcast Friday, commenting on the veteran journalist’s “warmth” and ability to put his subjects at ease.
“He made every person feel so special, and he made them open up like a flower,” the “Happy Days” star said. He was interested in you as a professional, and he was interested in you as a person.”
Rubin interviewed some of the world’s most famous celebrities throughout his career
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, 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 received the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for Outstanding Integrity in Journalism.
He also supported several organizations, including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour, LA schools and literacy programs.
SRE has also produced more than 200 hours of programming for broadcast and cable channels, including Live From red carpet shows