This Morning star dies after being rushed to hospital
This Morning regular Sam Rubin has tragically passed away at the age of 64.
The ITV show's Hollywood correspondent reportedly suffered a heart attack following an early Friday morning news segment, as revealed by a source to Variety. TMZ reports that he was urgently taken to a Los Angeles hospital where he experienced full cardiac arrest.
Just yesterday, May 9, Sam was presenting on air for Los Angeles TV channel KTLA, where he had been a staple since 1991. His exceptional entertainment reporting earned him numerous accolades, including an Emmy, and he's remembered for his interviews with a host of celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Usher.
Members of the ITV This Morning family have paid tribute to the much-loved member of the team. A photo of Sam was shared on the This Morning's Instagram page, while the caption reads: "We have very heavy hearts this weekend with the news from Los Angeles that our Hollywood reporter Sam Rubin has died at the age of 64.
"Sam was an Emmy winning entertainment correspondent and presenter for Los Angeles' No 1 morning show on KTLA, and regularly broadcast live into This Morning. He woke up Tinseltown every day for decades with his likeable charm and knowledgeable take on the movie world, he was on first name terms with the stars and became affectionately known as ‘Hollywood Sam’.
"We will miss him. There will be a tribute to Sam on Monday's show, but in the meantime we send our condolences to his wife Leslie, their four children and Sam’s colleagues at KTLA."
KTLA wrote on social media: "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 husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time."
His work earned him multiple Emmys, a Golden Mike award and a best entertainment reporter award from the Los Angeles Press Club.
Leaving behind his wife Leslie and their four children, Sam's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans online. A devastated viewer commented: "THIS is a shocker. I have watched Sam Rubin for DECADES on TV. He was so gracious, and so great with people he interviewed, and shared the desk with."
Someone else penned: "Truly saddened by this news, great reporter! Grew up watching KTLA and Sam Rubin."
Another took to social media to say: "Sad to hear that Sam Rubin of KTLA has passed suddenly from a heart attack. I loved his reporting. He was such a sweet, fun, nice guy. Condolences for his family."
Many entertainment reporters have also expressed sadness over Rubin's passing.
CNN's Elizabeth Wagmeister said on X: "This is just awful. Life is so precious.
"Growing up in LA, Sam Rubin was a mainstay -- part of the fabric of the city because he was in our homes (on TV) for so long. I grew up watching him & always was excited to see him in action on red carpets. RIP."
Actor Jerry O'Connell said: "Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest In Peace KING."
Publicist Jamie Gruttemeyer Symonds told Variety: “I feel like everyone is going to feel like they lost a family friend."
