Sam Rubin, whose morning interviews with celebrities on Los Angeles television station KTLA 5 became required viewing for much of the entertainment industry, and who endeared himself to Hollywood insiders with his genius and knowledge of his work, has died on Friday. He was 64 years old.
Mr. Rubin’s death was announced by KTLA anchor Frank Buckley. A tribute segment that aired on the network said the cause was a heart attack.
In an industry known for its changing names and evolving trends, Mr. Rubin was for decades a pillar for viewers across the city. An interview with him was considered a rite of passage for many stars.
His ability to make celebrities feel comfortable asking them about their work has spanned generations.
While it was clear that Rubin was immersed in the minutiae of his beat, part of his lasting appeal came from the antics he himself brought to the studio and his ability to change the pace of what could otherwise be a rote interview.
“Is it shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo – what’s the hair regimen, Jared?” he once asked actor Jared Leto.
“You know, my friend, it’s a wig,” said Leto.
It was clear that Hollywood’s biggest names had an affection for Rubin. They often seemed at ease and familiar under the KTLA studio lights, as if they were talking to an old friend.
Rubin could be seen on the red carpet, shaking hands with Tom Hanks as the movie star shouted “Sam Rubin, ladies and gentlemen!”; interviewing Billie Eilish about the Oscars; dancing with Beyoncé and the members of Destiny’s Child when the group was still together.
On social media, many industry professionals reflected on their interactions with Rubin.
“Even though I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam,” said actor Ryan Reynolds he wrote. “Even though HE was in his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity and an innovative question.”
Sam Rubin was born on February 16, 1960, in San Diego, according to The Los Angeles Times. He attended Occidental College in Los Angeles and majored in American studies and rhetoric.
After working as a correspondent covering entertainment news for several local media outlets, Mr. Rubin joined KTLA in 1991 and quickly made a name for himself with his unexpected questions and easy charm.
Rubin has won several Emmy Awards for his coverage, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. He used his celebrity acumen to co-author two celebrity biographies, of former first lady Jacqueline Onassis and actress Mia Farrow.
The entertainment provided by Mr. Rubin was not limited to the KTLA studio. He was co-owner of SRE Inc., the production company behind broadcast and cable programs including the “Live From” red carpet events and the “Hollywood Uncensored” talk show.
Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie Gale Shuman, and four children, according to The Los Angeles Times.
In his latest interview, on Thursday, Rubin spoke with actress Jane Seymour.
After learning of Mr. Rubin’s death, actor Henry Winkler spoke with KTLA about the legacy he left behind.
“When you were being interviewed by him, there was no one behind you, there was no one before you at that table,” Winkler said. “It was you in that seat and that was all that mattered.”
