Legendary Today show reporter dies unexpectedly
Legendary entertainment reporter Sam Rubin has died unexpectedly after reportedly suffering a heart attack at the age of 64.
According to TMZ, the incident occurred at his Los Angeles home, shortly after Rubin presented his regular segment on US TV network KTLA’s 7-9 a.m. Morning News program.
The reporter worked for LA TV station KTLA as their entertainment reporter, and also regularly worked with Aussie programs Today and Today Extra.
KTLA confirmed Rubin's death in a statement, saying, “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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Karl Stefanovic paid tribute to his colleague on Instagram, saying he "adored every second with Sam on air and off over the past two decades".
"His spirit. His laugh. His warm caring nature. He was a beautiful man. What a loss. All love to his family, and to his TV family at KTLA5 News."
Today Extra host David Campbell also paid tribute to Rubin, calling him a "Hollywood great".
"He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry," Campbell posted on social media.
"For years we would cross to him and gossip and laugh," he said.
"He would visit us Down Under, and whenever you were in LA you had to catch up. His loss is profound. My love and condolences to his family whom he adored."
"Also his KTLA team who have lost a brother. We will cross back to you some other time Sam."
On Weekend Today, Richard Wilkins expressed his sadness at Rubin's passing, while also remembering fond memories of working together.
“The entertainment world has really lost one of its greatest colleagues and dear friends today,” Wilkins said.
“For the last 20-odd years he’s been a member of our family, mainly through the Today show and Today Extra … but whenever the big stories broke, Sam was our go-to guy."
“And those beautiful people that he works with, they will be absolutely gutted today, obviously he brought this immense knowledge of the entertainment industry, but he brought this immense warmth as well.”
Image credits: Instagram