Los Angeles TV anchor and entertainment reporter Sam Rubin dies at 64


Sam Rubin, reporter for television station KTLA 5 in Los Angeles, whose morning interviews with celebrities became expected for much of the entertainment industry and who endeared himself to Hollywood insiders with his talent and knowledge of his work. Made it, he died on Friday. He was 64 years old.

Mr. Rubin's death was announced by KTLA anchor, Frank Buckley. A tribute segment broadcast on the station said the cause was a heart attack.

In an industry famous for its changing names and changing trends, Mr. Rubin was a mainstay for audiences across the city for decades and an interview with him was considered a rite of passage for many stars.

His ability to make celebrities feel at ease when they asked him about his art spanning generations.

Although it was clear that Mr. Rubin was immersed in the nuances of his rhythm, part of his enduring appeal came from the antics he brought to the studio himself and his ability to change the pace of a rote interview.

“Is it shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo – what's the hair rule, Jared?” he said in an interview with actor Jared Leto.

“You know, my friend, it's a toupee,” Mr. Leto said.

It was clear that the biggest names in Hollywood had affection for Mr. Rubin. Under the KTLA studio lights they often appeared comfortable and familiar, as if they were talking to an old friend.

Mr. Rubin could be seen shaking hands with Tom Hanks on the red carpet as the movie star shouted “Sam Rubin, ladies and gentlemen!” Or interviewing Billie Eilish about the Oscars or dancing with Beyonce and the members of Destiny's Child when the group was still together.

On social media, many people in the industry reflected on their interactions with Mr. Rubin.

Actor Ryan Reynolds said, “Even though I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam.” wrote, “Even if he was giving his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity and offbeat questions.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, Sam Rubin was born on February 16, 1960 in San Diego. He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and earned a degree in American studies and rhetoric.

After working as a correspondent for several local outlets covering entertainment news, Mr. Rubin joined KTLA in 1991 and quickly made a name for himself with his unexpected questions and easy charm.

Mr. Rubin won several Emmy Awards for his coverage, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. She used her celebrity skills to co-author two celebrity biographies, one about former First Lady Jacqueline Onassis, and the other about actress Mia Farrow.

The entertainment Mr. Rubin presented was not limited to the KTLA studios. He is the founder of SRE, Inc. He was co-owner of Hollywood Entertainment, a production company that produced broadcast and cable programs such as “Live From” red carpet events and the talk show “Hollywood Uncensored”.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie Gail Shuman, and four children.

In his last interview on Thursday, Mr. Rubin spoke with the actress Jane Seymour.

After learning of Mr. Rubin's death, actor Henry Winkler spoke to KTLA about the legacy he left behind.

“When he was interviewing you, there was no one after you, no one before you at that desk,” Mr. Winkler said. “You were the only one in that seat, and that's all that mattered.”




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