Today correspondent Sam Rubin dies unexpectedly aged 64
Long-time Today entertainment correspondent Sam Rubin has died at 64 years old.
Rubin died at his home in Los Angeles on Friday (local time) from a heart attack.
He had hosted his regular KTLA Hollywood news segment from 7am to 9am that morning.
The reporter worked for LA TV station KTLA as their entertainment reporter, and also worked with Today and Today Extra.
The TV station confirmed Rubins’ passing in a statement this morning.
“KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin,” the TV station said.
“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.”
Rubin (pictured far left) worked at KTLA from 1991 up until the time of his passing.
He had hosted his regular KTLA Hollywood news segment from 7am to 9am that morning.
Today entertainment reporter and close friend of Rubin, Richard Wilkins said his colleague would be missed.
“The entertainment world has really lost one of its greatest colleagues and dear friends today,” Wilkins said on Weekend Today.
“For the last 20-odd years he’s been a member of our family, mainly through the Today show and Today Extra…but whenever the big stories broke, Sam was our go-to guy.
“And those beautiful people that he works with, they will be absolutely gutted today, obviously he brought this immense knowledge of the entertainment industry, but he brought this immense warmth as well.”
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… pic.twitter.com/eG0tQswBSH
— KTLA (@KTLA) May 10, 2024
Rubin worked at KTLA from 1991 up until the time of his passing.
He was the recipient of a Golden Mic award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association, honouring his lifetime achievement in media.
He was also a winner of the Best Entertainment Reporter award from the Los Angeles Press Club.