This Morning star Sam Rubin dies aged 64 following tragic heart attack just days after his final TV appearance – as ITV lead touching tributes
Former This Morning star Sam Rubin has died aged 64.
The veteran broadcaster, who hosted Hollywood Uncensored, tragically died on Friday after being rushed to hospital in Los Angeles.
According to VarietySam suffered a fatal heart attack at his Hollywood home just hours after airing his regular morning news segment.
ITV has led the stars to pay tribute to the much-loved entertainment presenter after KTLA confirmed the sad news.
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Former This Morning star, who hosted Hollywood Uncensored, has died aged 64 after being rushed to hospital following a tragic heart attack in Los Angeles on Friday morning (pictured on This Morning in 2018)
According to Variety, Sam suffered a fatal heart attack at his Hollywood home in the morning, just hours after airing his regular news segment (pictured on This Morning in 2018)
‘Sam was an Emmy-winning entertainment correspondent and host for Los Angeles’ #1 morning show on KTLA, and regularly broadcast live on This Morning.
‘He woke Tinseltown up every day for decades with his affable charm and expert take on the film business, he was on a first name basis with the stars and was affectionately known as ‘Hollywood Sam.’ We’ll miss him.
“There will be a tribute to Sam during Monday’s show, but in the meantime, we extend our condolences to his wife Leslie, their four children and Sam’s colleagues at KTLA.”
Rylan Clarke also added: ‘Extremely sad news. A nice man x’.
Sam 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 made regular appearances on This Morning in the UK in 2018, chatting with former presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
He made regular appearances on This Morning in the UK in 2018, chatting to former presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield (all pictured in 2018)
Veteran reporter Sam Rubin has died in Los Angeles at the age of 64, 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 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.
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.
Rubin interviewed some of the world’s most famous celebrities throughout his career
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.”
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.’
SRE has also produced more than 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 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.”
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.