The life and legacy of KTLA 5 entertainment anchor Sam Rubin was recently honored by the California State Assembly when they adjourned their meeting in his memory before the assembly’s summer recess.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), delivered a heartfelt speech about our beloved Sam. He was her constituent in the 42nd Assembly District.

“It is with profound sadness that I rise to acknowledge the sudden and untimely passing of TV news icon Sam Rubin,” she said. “As one of the anchors of the KTLA News team, Sam’s infectious charm and clearly recognizable voice was a staple to so many looking forward to his entertainment reporting.”

Irwin recognized Sam’s upbringing in Southern California and how his connections in Los Angeles ran deep. She then explained how his career took off once he joined the KTLA 5 Morning News in 1991.

“Over the years, Sam conducted hundreds of interviews with A-list celebrities and developed the characteristic humor that he would be known for,” she continued. “His colleagues referred to him as the Godfather of entertainment news.”

Irwin then acknowledged all of Sam’s accolades during his decades-long career. He earned numerous Emmy awards. He was named Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club and received a Golden Mike Award. In 2013, he was honored by the National Hispanic Media Coalition with its Impact Award for Outstanding Integrity in Broadcast Journalism.

Irwin then acknowledged Sam’s wife Leslie, and his children, Perry, Rory, Darcy and Colby.

“I ask that we adjourn in memory of Sam Rubin,” she concluded.

Sam passed away on May 10, 2024, at age 64.