Sam Rubin Dead at 64: Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, Ben Stiller, Henry Winkler, and More Stars React
Sam Rubin's shocking death has sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood. Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, Ben Stiller, Henry Winkler, Octavia Spencer, Mark Hamill and others are sharing their favorite moments with the beloved KTLA entertainment reporter.
As ET previously reported, Rubin died on Friday after he suffered a heart attack. He was 64. Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children. Reynolds tweeted, "Even if I was on my 85th inteview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even if HE was on his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity and an outside the box question."
Stiller also reacted to the tragic news on social media. He tweeted, "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 have lost him way too soon. Sending love to his family."
Even if I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even if HE was on his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity and an outside the box question. ❤️
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 10, 2024
RIP Sam Rubin https://t.co/FhHzsa750D
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) May 11, 2024
Winkler, a close friend of Rubin's who presented him with an award at the Television Humanitarian Awards Luncheon Gala in September 2019, hopped on the phone during KTLA's live afternoon broadcast to pay a sweet tribute to Rubin.
"Two things I know -- he made you feel special every single time and I am not the only person who felt that warmth every time they sat down at your desk," Winkler said.
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
The veteran actor said Rubin also had a talent for "getting you to open up like a flower." Winkler added, "My heart goes out to his family, to you, his colleagues. He will be so missed. I am so overwhelmed that he won't be here with us."
Tom Hanks also reacted with an Instagram tribute saying, "Sam Rubin, you will be missed. A good guy, that Sam. Hanx."
Rubin's colleagues lovingly reminisced that their colleague wanted so badly to join Dancing With the Stars. It was then when Cheryl Burke joined the show and shared, "I'm literally going through pictures and in tears at the moment. This is heartbreaking."
She added, "He was a mentor to me, and he will never know but it was a pleasure working with him truly."
See even more reactions below:
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
Early in my career, one of my first live roles on Los Angeles TV was filling in for Sam when he was on vacation. His charm, his fun spirit, and his professionalism always impressed me. My condolences to his family and his KTLA family. He’ll be missed by us all. pic.twitter.com/BJCSpOBTtg
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) May 10, 2024
I am so saddened by the loss of @SamOnTV. He was always professional, caring and smiling.
My condolences to all who loved him.— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 10, 2024
Condolences to the family of @SamOnTV. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) May 10, 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
We're so sorry to learn of Sam Rubin's passing. He warmly interviewed SB19 on their first visit to @KTLA during their Pagtatag World Tour - USA, and he made it truly special for @SB19Official.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.#SB19pic.twitter.com/UcPPM3z1UY— US A'TIN⚪️🇺🇸 OFFICIAL (@US_ATIN) 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.
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— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) May 11, 2024
Sam was a genuine sweetheart- entirely a gentleman https://t.co/nc4sS3t2eT
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) 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
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
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…
Thank you Sam, Rest Easy 🙏💚 pic.twitter.com/xkqGMeyKyV— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) 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.
Sam's generous spirit, unfailing good humor and deep knowledge of "Hollywood" made him a… pic.twitter.com/Lq2gPHnU8E— Critics Choice Awards (@CriticsChoice) May 10, 2024
Awful news. 💔
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) May 10, 2024
Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest In Peace KING. pic.twitter.com/KlvC6oiIJm
— Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) May 10, 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
Sam Rubin…always a gentleman. He was the President of entertainment news in this business. Kind, funny and the best at this job. He will be sorely missed. 💔@KTLA@KTLAMorningNews
— Nischelle Turner (@nischelleturner) May 10, 2024
I always enjoyed my time with Sam. Rest In Peace, Sir. https://t.co/r1U8rdGLoj
— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) May 10, 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
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
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
@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.
Sam you will be missed…
Love,
Richard Simmons— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) May 10, 2024
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
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
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
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 incredibly sad news. What a great guy and such a staple here in Los Angeles. I was fortunate to cross paths with Sam many times and he was always a class act. RIP 🙏🏽 https://t.co/To44mMizmS
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) May 10, 2024
R.I.P. to Sam Rubin from @KTLA
What a wonderful, fun loving guy!
He was always so much fun to be around,
both ON & OFF Air.
YOU WILL BE MISSED SAMMY...— Roger Lodge (@RogerLodge7) May 10, 2024
Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Sam Rubin.
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— Senator Alex Padilla (@SenAlexPadilla) May 10, 2024
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
Today we say goodbye and thank you to Sam Rubin, a long-time show host and friend of REELZ. Our condolences go to Sam’s family, friends and everyone that knew him through his incredible contributions to our industry. Godspeed Sam Rubin.#SamRubin#RIP#RestInPeace#REELZpic.twitter.com/NKc03IrPlI
— REELZ (@ReelzChannel) 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
You will be missed, Sam Rubin. pic.twitter.com/JKkFBaSEp2
— SoFi Stadium (@SoFiStadium) 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
"L.A. ❤️ Sam" — The Santa Monica Pier is honoring our friend Sam Rubin. https://t.co/0OAqbF6nAipic.twitter.com/BqU2zSvAws
— KTLA (@KTLA) May 11, 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
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) 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
💔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#SamRubinpic.twitter.com/t6LMmijM50
— officialellenk (@officialellenk) May 11, 2024
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