KTLA Reporter Sam Rubin Dead of a Heart Attack at 64. Remembered by, Well, Pretty Much Everyone in Hollywood

A source close to the station confirmed that Rubin died at his home of a heart attack after doing his regular Hollywood news segments on KTLA's 7-9 a.m. "Morning News" program on Friday," wrote Variety. "Rubin was a fixture in Hollywood who enjoy rare longevity with a single station throughout his career."

"On camera, Rubin was unfailingly jocular and warm, often talking about his off-air activities with his wife and four children. Chatting with Rubin live on KTLA has long been a staple of any publicity tour for stars of movies, TV shows, concert tours and anything else involving entertainment. As an anchor and reporter in Hollywood's backyard, Rubin also covered the inner workings of Hollywood, usually offering a fan's "gee whiz" perspective on the machinations of studios and networks and the excesses of the rich and famous."

This author was a childhood from of Sam's. He was in Mickey Augenblick's 6th grade class with me at Westwood Elementary School in the early 1970's. Sam took the time to attend Mr. Augenblick's memorial service in 2010. He did more than simply attend; he MC'd it. This was appropriate since he was the most famous person in that class. But he made everyone feel like a celebrity.

Rubin was the recipient of a Golden Mic award, a lifetime achievement award from Southern California Broadcasters Association and winner of best entertainment reporter from the Los Angeles Press Club. According to his KTLA bio, he supported several organizations including the MS 150 Bay to Bike Tour and supports L.A. schools and literacy programs.

A graduate of Occidental College, he is survived by his wife and four children.

Kiefer Sutherland tweeted: "I last talked to Sam Rubin at the Critics Choice Awards this year. His smile and his genuine excitement for all things Hollywood ever present. In nervous situations he was a buoy of kindness. I will miss him."

Sam Rubin, a popular entertainment reporter on channel 5 KTLA since 1991, died Friday May 10th of a sudden heart attack. He was 64.

"Terribly sad news," tweeted comedian Tom Arnold. "I've been a friend and fan of Sam Rubin and KTLA since he started. He was the best absolute best. Kind and funny. Sam was even a better father. I'm so sorry for his family."

Jason Alexander tweeted "Sam Rubin, KTLA entertainment reporter was a lovely man and a real friend to our entertainment community. His untimely passing is a sad loss. Sympathies to his family and loved ones."