Deeley said of Rubin: “Having started here at This Morning in 2016, Sam brought with him his knowledge and experience to share the latest Hollywood news with us and he wore his skills very lightly.”
Meanwhile, King said Rubin’s family is “obviously completely devastated,” adding, “Our thoughts are with Leslie and the children.
“I can’t even imagine what they’re going through, and again, it was just that shock. On Thursday he was on air being Sam as always, and by Friday morning he was gone.
King continued: “He was the local boy, so anything you wanted to know about Hollywood, he could certainly tell you. Within the business, we would have these chats where he would say to me, ‘Ross, they all seem really friendly, but come on I tell you, they would eat your babies! and it was such good advice.
“This prank, he would try to get you to do the most outrageous things and try to get you in trouble and then say, ‘It’s not my fault!’ But he had that experience that is sometimes so rare in the business… He had an absolute artistry.
“I still can’t [believe it]. Sometimes I’m speechless. He was just a lovely man… That’s what seems strange and I was thinking about it on the way to the studio here in New York – Sam would have loved that. I hope, Sammy, you’re looking down and seeing how much love there is for you, because it’s remarkable.”
In addition to his work with This Morning, American journalist Rubin also served as an entertainment reporter for the KTLA Morning News. He has won several Emmys throughout his career and received the Golden Mike Award for best entertainment reporter.
Over the years, he interviewed many celebrities, with several of them paying tribute to him following the news of his passing.
These included Ben Stiller, who said in one post on X: “I’m so sad and sorry to hear of the passing of Sam Rubin. Consummate professional. 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 was always fun and easy. He was an institution. We lost him too soon. Sending love to his family.”
About that, Ryan Reynolds said: “Even though I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even though HE was on his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity, and an innovative question.”
