LOS ANGELES — Following the unexpected death of Sam Rubin, the longtime entertainment reporter and a staple of the KTLA Morning News show for decades, tributes poured in on social media on Friday from some of Hollywood's top stars, comedians, directors and Rubin's colleagues.
Rubin even received tributes from some of LA's iconic landmarks. SOFI Stadium honored Rubin by displaying a message for him on the stadium's roof and the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel created a light display in honor of Rubin as well.
Actors like Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, Ben Stiller, Leah Remini and many more talked about what being interviewed by Rubin meant to them and reminisced on interactions with Rubin over the years. The tributes following the news of his unexpected death showed the impact he had on so many people across the LA landscape.
Here are some of the tributes to Rubin, who joined KTLA in 1991:
TMZ reported that Rubin, 64, suffered a fatal heart attack Friday morning. A KTLA source told Variety that Rubin died at his home in Brentwood.
KTLA Morning News anchor Frank Buckley confirmed the news on Friday afternoon on air and gave a heartfelt message about his long time colleague.
"Our hearts, as you can imagine, are broken," Buckley said. "Quite simply, Sam was KTLA. From his time on the KTLA5 Morning News to the many awards shows and other shows that he hosted, his laugh, his charm, most caring personality. To all of us he shred his mornings with on television and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him."
Rubin is survived by his wife Leslie and four children.