Hollywood friends and celebrities are paying tribute to the legacy left behind by Sam Rubin, KTLA’s iconic entertainment news reporter who died Friday at the age of 64.
Heartfelt messages of love and memories poured in across social media, with many remembering Rubin’s lively personality, sharp wit, and the unforgettable impact of his presence and dedication to his craft.
Rubin spent his career interviewing countless notable figures in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, a role he treasured dearly.
Below, Hollywood pays tribute to a Los Angeles legend:
So sad and sorry to hear of Sam Rubin’s passing. Consummate pro. I did my first interview with him in something like ‘93, and countless times over the years. He loved actors and movies. He made everyone feel comfortable and it was always fun and easy. He was an institution. We…
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 10, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin https://t.co/FhHzsa750D
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 11, 2024
Today we lost LA legend Sam Rubin from @KTLAMorningNews I had the privilege of doing countless segments with him over the last 15+ years. In studio or on the streets it was always a pleasure. I will miss you Sam. Thank you 😥 pic.twitter.com/5pyxdOv5Pl
— G a b r i e l – I g l e s i a s (@fluffyguy) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest In Peace KING. pic.twitter.com/KlvC6oiIJm
— Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) May 10, 2024
Devastated by this news. I truly loved Sam, who was so supportive of me and the industry in general. He was the best. I can’t quite process him being gone. Sending so much love to his family and friends. So sad. RIP Sam. Love you, pal. https://t.co/w4TxOcSsZa
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) May 10, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin. Always upbeat, gracious and fun to talk with on the air or off. His passing leaves a hole in the heart of the Hollywood community and industry. https://t.co/WFFRMFcDqm
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) May 11, 2024
Like many actors, I have been interviewed by Sam Rubin many times, whether on the red carpet or when I would call into KTLA's morning show.
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) May 11, 2024
Sam was a true gentleman; he made the people he interviewed feel incredibly comfortable and safe, which is why he got many meaningful and… pic.twitter.com/6HzoDcboln
Condolences to the family of @SamOnTV. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 10, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/rAG8DZ777q
— Kiefer Sutherland (@RealKiefer) May 10, 2024
Truly heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Sam Rubin from KTLA morning news. He made my mornings, my band and me, more interesting and entertaining than they deserved to be…
— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) May 10, 2024
Thank you Sam, Rest Easy 🙏💚 pic.twitter.com/xkqGMeyKyV
RIP Sam Rubin. He loved movies and was always smiling when he was at the theatre. It was a treat for us whenever he came by for a story. This picture is from when he did a mini-handprint on a Countdown to the Oscars Show. Our hearts go out to his family and everyone at KTLA. pic.twitter.com/jyY7qgU7NH
— TCL Chinese Theatres (@ChineseTheatres) May 10, 2024
I don’t think there was ever a person who loved his job more than Sam Rubin did He was always a BLAST! My heart goes out to his beautiful family at home & his incredible family at KTLA. You could feel the love when you walked on set. And Sam was the heart and hearth! #TheGOAT
— Marilu Henner (@TheRealMarilu) May 10, 2024
Gone too soon… Sam Rubin – born in San Diego and an LA local like me- was always so kind on carpets and in the studio. I so appreciated having his support and kindness which I knew my mom could tune in and watch on our local KTLA station whenever he had me on. Sam was a real ray… pic.twitter.com/kXZ2JvLSna
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) May 11, 2024
@ktlaENT omg this is a terrible loss .. for Sam’s family , his co workers , friends and his fans . IT WAS ALWAYS a pleasure to be on set with Sam . He will be Sorely missed . We winklers are so saddened by this horrible news . THANK YOU for your constant support ! Love, Henry
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) May 10, 2024
It's abundantly clear, we all loved Sam Rubin. The outpouring of love and support for Sam and his family speaks volumes about who he was and how we all felt about him. I'm very upset to hear of his passing. May he rest in eternal peace and his memory be a blessing for his family.
— Michael Chiklis (@MichaelChiklis) May 11, 2024
So sad to learn that we’ve lost Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to see him and to be in his presence. My condolences to his family and fans. https://t.co/xWDA8wY787
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) May 10, 2024
Heartbreaking. Love to everyone at @KTLA and love to his beloved wife and children. Sam Rubin was a consummate pro, he was hilarious and he had a huge heart. It was always a joy and a privilege to get a chance to talk with him. Sam will be deeply missed. May his memory be a… https://t.co/Bk8TemBMum
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) May 10, 2024
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. #RIPSamRubin
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) May 11, 2024
Terribly sad news. 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 💔 https://t.co/cI2pKGOe0R
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) May 11, 2024
EVERYONE loved Sam Rubin. He has supported my career and countless others since day one. And he had the best sense of humor about life, and we would make each other laugh all the time. But most of all, he was a loving father and husband and just a good person. Sending all my love… pic.twitter.com/UAzLGFIzYS
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) May 11, 2024
This is heartbreaking. Sam Rubin was a Los Angeles institution and so full of life. He was great at his job—which he loved—but most importantly he was always kind and gracious. Sending love to his family. https://t.co/YcnJLY2rGi
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) May 10, 2024
So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of the great journalist Sam Rubin. My condolences to his family and loved ones and everyone at KTLA. I will say from personal experience Sam was always incredibly funny, kind, welcoming, and prepared during the many interviews he has done… https://t.co/qluDENfCVz
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) May 10, 2024
This is a shocking loss!!! #RIP to my friend of so many years https://t.co/aFdWoHhOk1
— Joely Fisher (@MsJoelyFisher) May 10, 2024
The LA Galaxy mourns the loss of deeply respected @KTLA news anchor, Sam Rubin. pic.twitter.com/EZBk0bZc9h
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 12, 2024
💔there will never be another like him🥹 @SamOnTV thank you for all of the years of friendship-from the day you hosted the @KTLAMorningNews DIAPER DERBY where our babies raced…to today I miss you❤️I love you 🙏🏻@iHeartRadio @kost1035fm #ellenkmorningshow #SamRubin pic.twitter.com/t6LMmijM50
— officialellenk (@officialellenk) May 11, 2024
We lost a good one today Sam Rubin was one of those warm and wonderful people who just made the world a better place💔
— patrick warburton (@paddywarbucks) May 10, 2024
I’m heartbroken 💔
— Dean Cain (@RealDeanCain) May 10, 2024
I loved #SamRubin https://t.co/lwnaR9Fu9o
Seeing all the tributes to Sam Rubin here from actors, directors and colleagues tells you how much Sam was respected and beloved. Sam was a true pro who clearly loved his work. My condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.https://t.co/ZvbYgLQXwu
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) May 11, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin Dead: KTLA Entertainment Reporter Was 64 https://t.co/Y4teJQxkPJ
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) May 10, 2024
Sam was a genuine sweetheart- entirely a gentleman https://t.co/nc4sS3t2eT
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) May 10, 2024
He was an LA institution and will be sorely missed.
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) May 10, 2024
💜🙏🏾
Sam. ❤️ So sorry to hear of your passing. You were always welcoming and instantly made me feel like I was part of your crew. Beautiful journey to your spirit and much healing to those you left behind. @SamOnTV @KTLA pic.twitter.com/BFEVRbzzvn
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) May 10, 2024
💔
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin was an excellent and enthusiastic reporter. I had the great honor of his repeated interest on the @KTLAMorningNews over the years.
— Justine Bateman (@JustineBateman) May 10, 2024
We are better because he was here.
RIP @SamOnTV. @KTLA
The entertainment world lost one of its most gracious champions today in Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to do his show. R.I.P. Sam. @KTLAMorningNews pic.twitter.com/s0CPp8oVvw
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) May 12, 2024
R.I.P. to Sam Rubin from @KTLA
— Roger Lodge (@RogerLodge7) May 10, 2024
What a wonderful, fun loving guy!
He was always so much fun to be around,
both ON & OFF Air.
YOU WILL BE MISSED SAMMY…
@SamOnTV @KTLA I am so sorry to hear about my friend Sam Rubin going to heaven. I have known him for decades. He was always interested in my projects and always laughed at my silly jokes.
— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) May 10, 2024
Sam you will be missed…
Love,
Richard Simmons
I am so saddened by the loss of @SamOnTV. He was always professional, caring and smiling.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 10, 2024
My condolences to all who loved him.
I’m in absolute shock! Sam was a Staple of Los Angeles. He was LA. The heart and soul of the of La news. Everyone knew him, loved him and he was everybody’s friend. A warm comforting face that you were so happy to see at any event. ❤️🙏❤️ to his family and to the @KTLA family pic.twitter.com/ulWhWy0aSb
— Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) May 10, 2024
I just heard of the loss of the great Sam Rubin who passed yesterday morning. He interviewed me on the KTLA Morning News for The Runaways movie and I found him again a few years later when we were doing interviews for Austrailia. That was THE BEST 45 minutes in the green room,… pic.twitter.com/Og403nSpal
— Cherie Currie (@CherieCurrie3) May 11, 2024
I am numb and shocked at the news of my friend Sam Rubin passing. He cared about everyone that he met and always took the time to smile and ask about family and was the best at what he did. I can’t believe this news. So devastating and sad. Thinking about his beautiful family… pic.twitter.com/xthdAOvGha
— Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) May 10, 2024
The Critics Choice Association is devastated by the sudden loss of our dear friend Sam Rubin, a longtime member of our Board of Directors and a guiding force throughout our 30-year history.
— Critics Choice Awards (@CriticsChoice) May 10, 2024
Sam's generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of "Hollywood" made him a… pic.twitter.com/Lq2gPHnU8E
It was always a joy to chat with my bud @samktla! Here’s a bit of our shenanigans. #RIPSamRubin 💔🕊️
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) May 10, 2024
Yvette Nicole Brown on KTLA https://t.co/K3nXBgA2TC via @YouTube
Gutted to hear this! Sam Rubin was the best of the best, just saw him a few weeks ago. He was always authentic and kind, a true loss for all of us and @KTLA. pic.twitter.com/zfG9oCgRtB
— Kate Flannery (@KateFlannery) May 10, 2024
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 This hurts deep! There wasn’t even one time when I asked to come on KTLA to promote something that was important to me over the last few decades where I was told no…. Sam Rubin was always so gracious, so generous, so lovely and such an icon in Los Angeles.… pic.twitter.com/pMNpR4TWW1
— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) May 11, 2024
So sorry to hear about the passing of @KTLA’s @SamOnTV Sam Rubin. It was always a pleasure to chat with Sam when I was promoting something. He was friendly, funny and a staple of Southern California broadcasting. You will be sorely missed Sam. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) May 11, 2024
Such a huge loss to so many. Doesn't seem real. Sam Rubin, the BEST of the Best. Rest in Power my friend📺💔 pic.twitter.com/blv0K51IqY
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) May 11, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin. I was interviewed by Sam many times. He was always a gentleman, respectful…and the most important thing – would laugh at the jokes. It always seemed like he was more knowledgeable about my career than I was. In the weird world of Hollywood, he was always a… pic.twitter.com/40YUZP6ZsJ
— Dave Coulier (@DaveCoulier) May 11, 2024
Condolences to the family of @SamOnTV. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 10, 2024
I am shocked and saddened by the news of Sam Rubin’s untimely passing. If you look up “kind” you would see his picture. RIP, Sam.. you will definitely be missed by me. pic.twitter.com/MsHYoXnnvs
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) May 10, 2024
Sad to hear about Sam Rubin's passing. He was always wonderful and positive. Condolences to his family, friends, KTLA family & fans. 😢🙌🏼🙏🏼RIP, Sam. https://t.co/m00vyro0Pm
— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) May 11, 2024
We are saddened to learn of broadcaster Sam Rubin's untimely passing. An LA morning news fixture & entertainment reporter, Sam worked at @KTLA for 30+ years covering the industry. Condolences to his wife, 4 children & colleagues. #SagAftraMember since 1988 https://t.co/X0RF5p7vJB
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 10, 2024
This is so sweet. Everybody loved Sam Rubin. I always enjoyed being interviewed by him. He seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say and he was always so positive and fun to be around. 🩷 https://t.co/Bi5l5ijW7I
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) May 11, 2024
RIP entertainment maven Sam Rubin. Genuinely good guy, and really the only game in town.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) May 10, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin – the kindest, most generous man to be interviewed by-he always made sure I got to say what was important and in my heart- for decades now! I can't believe he's gone. 💔 A true class act and will be so missed! Prayers to all who loved him. 🙏 @KTLA @KTLAMorningNews pic.twitter.com/5tEsRKxsmu
— Danica McKellar (@danicamckellar) May 11, 2024
Oh no! This is terrible news. He exuded kindness and was such a generous interviewer. https://t.co/LBGE0EEjFk
— Mo Rocca (@MoRocca) May 11, 2024
So so sad to hear of #SamRubin He was one of a kind. For so many years I would feel like I had a friend in the press line. He was kind and smart and funny. And loved. My heart goes out to his family. 😢 pic.twitter.com/5rvxzSEfKZ
— Lea Thompson (@LeaKThompson) May 12, 2024
So sad to hear the news of sudden passing of Sam Rubin @ktlaENT KTLA 5 LA’s longtime morning Entertainment host. Through the decades Sam has always been so supportive, funny and kind, such a beacon of light and positivity. Here’s a snippet from one of my favorite appearances on… pic.twitter.com/NWJ5vTthmS
— JODY WATLEY (@jodywatley) May 10, 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the sudden passing of Sam Rubin. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/Y2BPQ51iAi
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 12, 2024
Oh NO!! Sam was the sweetest, nicest guy in town!! Always kind & supportive! My last interview with him was for #MatthewPerry’s death. I always went out of my way if he wanted an interview bc he was just such a great guy! Beloved by all. Condolences to his… https://t.co/0BR7TvlNw0
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) May 10, 2024
I always enjoyed my time with Sam. Rest In Peace, Sir. https://t.co/r1U8rdGLoj
— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) May 10, 2024
John Mulaney closes out his Netflix talk show with "a special L.A. goodbye to Mr. Sam Rubin." pic.twitter.com/FUUhXNKoLM
— John A. Moreno (@morenojohn) May 11, 2024
Watching the coverage on @KTLA is heartbreaking yet beautiful 💔 every time I saw him he made me laugh, smile, feel special.. RIP Sam Rubin 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/HkqYvBgChV
— JoJo Wright (@JoJoWright) May 11, 2024
#RIP Sam Rubin … shocked, he was a true legend and a good man. Literally can not believe this news.
— Kevin Frazier (@KevinFrazier) May 10, 2024
😢 Sad to hear of the passing of my colleague in local news #SamRubin. What most will not know is Sam used to work at Fox 11 back in the 1990s, when I started.
— Christine Devine (@DevineNews) May 11, 2024
To @KTLA & family sending 🙏condolences.
📷2009 LA Emmys pic.twitter.com/hzepJVuZ7Q
You want to know what type of person @SamOnTV was. When I had a major professional setback last year, my collegaue, Sam Rubin, offered some of the nicest words. His words were so comforting at a difficult time. It brought tears to me eyes then….and today as well. RIP 🙏 Sam. pic.twitter.com/3Dr16eixuq
— Steve Futterman (@sfutterman) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin, thank you for all the memories and continued support over the years. We will miss you. Sending our love to all of Sam’s friends and family and everyone @KTLA. pic.twitter.com/DpySYm1eJ0
— Crypto.com Arena (@cryptocomarena) May 11, 2024
Sam Rubin was a beloved icon. Both on and off camera, Sam always treated others with kindness and respect. His work touched the lives of everyone in the entertainment industry, and his legacy will live on. @VP and I join the Los Angeles community in honoring his life and mourning…
— Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) May 11, 2024
Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sam Rubin.
— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) May 10, 2024
Sam's impact on local journalism in LA will be felt for years to come. We pray for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. https://t.co/9yGGmVY1xo
In loving memory of Sam Rubin. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/lPijbAbDnH
— The Kia Forum (@thekiaforum) May 12, 2024
