Rita Wilson, Melanie Griffith and more pay tribute as KTLA and This Morning’s Sam Rubin, 64, tragically dies

KTLA anchor Sam Rubin, who also a correspondent for British morning show This Morning, had died at the age of 64. 

Frank Buckley, announcing Sam’s death live on KTLA, broke down in tears as he shared the news with viewers. “Our hearts, as you can imagine, are broken. Quite simply, Sam was KTLA.” Frank said, praising his “warmth and charm”. 

Hollywood pays tribute

Rita Wilson was among the first to share their tributes to the journalist who was a longtime feature on red carpets and known very well by many A-listers.

“Truly saddened to hear of the sudden passing of @samontv Sam Rubin Sam was the person you ALWAYS wanted to talk to on the red carpet. Sam was authentic, you felt the love he had for his job,” shared Rita with followers. “He certainly had a great wit, quick on his feet, kind while being funny yet never mean spirited. Whenever I saw him I looked forward to talking to him.” 

“I feel like we grew up together. He was there to welcome us, ask about our projects while putting us at ease, making us feel as if we were talking to a friend,” she continued. “Sam, the red carpet won’t be the same without you. Our prayers and condolences to Leslie and Sam’s children. Rest in Peace. God bless you.” 

Melanie Griffiths added: “Oh no! He was so wonderful and warm and kind,” while Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson commented: ” Oh nooooo!!”

Debbie Gibson also posted her own tribute, writing: “CHEERS to you Sam Rubin for so much heart and so many laughs in a world where that is so needed. Thank you for the love and support for our entertainment community over the years. Such a shock to hear this news. Love going out to Sam’s loved ones and @ktla_entertainment family.”

“Sam was THE entertainment reporting man! What a sad and sudden loss. He was a wonderful man who supported me so much throughout my career and I will miss him dearly. I am sending all my love to my @ktla5news family,” wrote Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Alyson Hannigan also shared her memories, captioning a post that read: “My heart is hurting for the loss of Sam Rubin. He had an ability to make me feel like I was his good friend both on and off camera. And today I feel like I lost a friend. RIP. You will be missed.”

KTLA’s emotional tribute

KTLA posted a touching tribute which read: “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.” 

Sam was a correspondent for This Morning in the UK

This Morning, in the UK, also shared a tribute: “We have very heavy hearts this weekend with the news from Los Angeles that our Hollywood reporter Sam Rubin has died at the age of 64. Sam was an Emmy winning entertainment correspondent and presenter for Los Angeles’ No 1 morning show on KTLA, and regularly broadcast live into This Morning. 

“He woke up Tinseltown every day for decades with his likeable charm and knowledgeable take on the movie world, he was on first name terms with the stars and became affectionately known as ‘Hollywood Sam’. We will miss him. There will be a tribute to Sam on Monday’s show, but in the meantime, we send our condolences to his wife Leslie, their four children and Sam’s colleagues at KTLA. “

© Kevork Djansezian

Sam suffered from a heart attack

TMZ was first to report the news, reporting that Sam had called in sick to work early on Friday May 10 before suffering a major heart attack at home. He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead. 

Sam had been an anchor on LA local channel KTLA since 1991, where he reported on awards shows and interviewed celebrities. He had won multiple Emmys. 

© Christopher Polk

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