Sam Rubin

1960 - 2024

Sam Rubin obituary, 1960-2024

Sam Rubin

1960 - 2024

BORN

1960

DIED

2024

Sam Rubin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 15 to May 16, 2024.

Sam Rubin was a longtime Los Angeles news anchor known for his more than three decades of celebrity interviews.

We invite you to share condolences for Sam Rubin in our Guest Book.

Read Full Obituary.

(Photo: Vince Bucci/Invision for AARP/AP Images)

Sign Sam Rubin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 20, 2024

Kelly Walz posted to the memorial.

September 15, 2024

Donna Tarrant posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2024

Clifford McKnight posted to the memorial.

161 Entries

Kelly Walz

September 20, 2024

I always watched Sam every day , I loved seeing his entertained news segment . He was one in a million, it made my heart sank to loose him

Donna Tarrant

September 15, 2024

He was an icon at KTLA. The news will never be the same.

Clifford McKnight

August 3, 2024

Thank you for your goodness caring unselfish kindness and giving us the best reports on the 5 news

Leonor

July 28, 2024

My younger son he love watching the channel 5 new he love Sam rubies

Doris Wells Smith

July 24, 2024

RIP Sam Rubin we have enjoyed you.
A job well done.

Victoria Macias

July 15, 2024

RIP Sam Rubin
We just saw him in the news that morning, then towards the afternoon we start hearing the news I felt like I lost a family member that´s how much he touch my heart .
Condolence to his family
You will be missed by all your KTLA Viewers

Jeanette Edwards

July 13, 2024

I remember when sam first aired on Channel 5 I watched them for years even after moving from the LA area Rest easy Sam

Donna Tarrant

July 8, 2024

Sam Rubin was always in a happy mood. That's why I love KTLA. They always make you laugh and smile daily. FAMILY

Sylvia Bautista

June 30, 2024

Sam had a special way of making the news fun to watch. I love channel 5 news Sam was my favorite person on there. I truly miss watching him on TV. My condolences to his family and his work family. Heaven has a new Angel.

Pauline Rhamdas

June 26, 2024

His Cupcakes eating
Him eating cupcakes his way

Lorraine navarro

June 24, 2024

I always looked forward to watching him in the morning he was so happy all the time

Lorraine Sonoqui

June 17, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. There will be ONLY ONE SAM RUBIN and KTLA NEWS will never be the same.

Karen Gemette

June 17, 2024

This is such sad news. I watched him from the very beginning on KTLA 5 News. He was one of my favorites, always smiling and so positive. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and to the KTLA staff for the loss of such a wonderful man

mc from san diego

June 14, 2024

So sad we lost Sam. I was watching in 1991 when KTLA started, and Sam showed up. He was funny from the beginning and until the end. I still watch KTLA almost every day and miss Sam. But you should know Sam there will never be another you. The new entertainment reporter just will not be the same.

Stella Mayorga

June 11, 2024

Sam Ruben, along with every Southlander.. was in our homes. Every morning, the first thing I do, of course give thanks to God and then turn the TV on to Sam Rubin...! He will be dearly missed.

Lodie Pollard

June 10, 2024

My deepest condolences, you were a part of our household as long as I began to watch you on KTLA.
R.I.P. Sam you were truly loved by lots of people Gone too soon

Lindbergh Reese

June 9, 2024

I day Sam was at universal studio and was on a ride. And we all know how he felt. It was so funny, Sam was not expecting that ride to do what it did. In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Elsie Rodriguez

June 8, 2024

My deepest condolences to the Rubin and KTLA family. I have been watching KTLA for 20 plus years and always looked forward to watching Sam Rubin. He was such a positive and sincere person, who came across like he was your friend and just telling you a story. Sam you will be truly missed, your family and KTLA colleagues are so lucky to have been a part of your life. I thank you for being a part of mine.

Debra Sam

June 5, 2024

My deepest condolences to Sam's family and his KTLA family too. Watching KTLA will never be the same without him. Stay strong and God Bless you all.

Joey Montalvo

June 5, 2024

I woke up every day to KTLA started at four in the morning and Sam was always there except we´re on the road or whatever but he was a good dude he cared for people. He would always mention someone that when he passed love them he was KTLA rest in peace. I pray for you and your family.

Juanita Hernandez

June 4, 2024

My deepest condolences to Sam's family and KTLA family. We will miss seeing him and the brilliant talent he brought. RIP Sam.

Maria Escorsia

June 3, 2024

my condolences to Sam 's family. Sam I started watching you went I moved to LA and always loved your work, your interviews and your sense of humor and professionalism. At the time you were with Carlos Amescua and Barbara Beck. You will be greatly missed, thanks for all the memories you left us! RIP

Sheila fischenich

June 2, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Tamika R

June 2, 2024

Ahhh Sam ive watched u for so longgg I grew in in Los Angeles and it was nice seeing u on news now u not here anymore I have to find another news channel to adapt too.. get ur rest. You so young..see u in the other side later

Paula Jane Rice

June 2, 2024

I met Sam a few times in the store. Nice guy. Sending love to his family and friends

Janet wilde

June 1, 2024

Good morning I´m writing from Alberta Canada .. I am beyond belief
I was away the week Sam passed so when I returned I was shocked to hear and actually in denial!! I thought it was one of those scams that you see at the top of the Facebook page !!
As o continued to be a faithful KTLA watcher he wasn´t showing up and he was not being spoke of
My husband passed away exactly the same way .. not feeling well then passing next morning .. at 64
After he passed I looked for ways to keep myself positive and began tuning in as a faithful Ktla watcher as I´ve found this news to be fun and lighthearted then most
You will be missed so sorry to all for our loss

Angela Jones

May 31, 2024

I have been watching ktla 5 for over 30yrs every morning I looked forward to seeing Sam n hearing his laugh I will miss seeing him when turning my news on Rest in peace Sam God bless your Family in this time of Sorrow . Dance with the Angels My name is Angela Jones from Barstow ca

Kesha Shadwick

May 30, 2024

You will be missed Sam. Rest in the STARS.

Sheryl Duane Eaton

May 30, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Darlene Watson

May 30, 2024

We live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. We loved watching you Sam. Such a joy that you brought to our living room. We will miss you.
D & J Watson

Vernon Masongsong

May 30, 2024

I will definitely miss seeing your smile, humor & charm every morning on the KTLA news. We will also miss watching you & Jessica at the pre-Oscars show. You definitely made watching the Oscars much more enjoyable before the show...RIP

William n Roberta

May 30, 2024

Sam you willbe missed everyday when Turning on ktla5 news,it was a pleasure to wake up every morning and seeing your smiling g face,making the entertainment section so enjoying you will be greatly missed

Lisa Roybal

May 30, 2024

Sammy you had such and amazing laugh you were loved by so many. To be absent from the body is to be presence with the Lord. Oh what a wonderful day it was for you Sam. Rest easy Sam. My sincere condolences goes out to your family. The Roybals.

Peggy Vanzzini

May 29, 2024

Entertainment report isn't the same without you Sam. We're going to miss you. RIP

margaret cobos

May 29, 2024

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sonjia Lizarraga

May 29, 2024

Rest in Peace Sam Rubin you will be missed

Peggy dmith

May 29, 2024

Channel 5 will not be the same without his big smile and infectious laughter. He could brighten your day just by listening to him talk. He will be scarlet missed. Gods speed Sam

P Smith
Redlands cali

Cindy Flynn

May 29, 2024

That beautiful beautiful smile and sense of humor that made even the worst day feel so much better

ButterKupp

May 29, 2024

Sam I miss you everyday ! Still can´t believe you´re gone ! I will continue to pray for your family ; you were definitely ONE OF KIND

Marsha Rose Anderson

May 29, 2024

I loved watching Sam. I have been watching the Morning News from the beginning, until I moved to Nevada the end of '16, but would still watch the live stream. My daughter told me about his passing. My kids grew up watching him. We were all greatly saddened when we heard, and watched the Memorial newscast the following Monday. God Bless his family as they continue to live with their loss.

Veronica

May 29, 2024

Sam was always smiling that was his trade mark. I always knew he would be at the Grammys and would do great interviews with the actors.

Linda C

May 28, 2024

How he would turn cupcakes into sandwiches

Mynde Luera

May 28, 2024

Was always so funny and upbeat... especially during Oscars it was really so nice just to see him on Ch. 5 all these years!!! Love you Sam thanks for all the great reporting and entertaining way you did it.. One of a Kind!¡!!!

Rosalyn Hill

May 28, 2024

My favorite memories of Sam Rubin watching him at work and how he enjoyed his job. And how he allowed us as the viewers to see how much he loved his work.. He will be missed have a donut on me. Mis You Sam Rest Easy

Hugo & Michele Cuevas

May 27, 2024

We We want to send our condolences to Sam's family.. We are so sorry..He was very special to us.
Love Hugo & Michele Cuey

Nydia aleman

May 26, 2024

I lived watching ktla 5, because of Sam Rubin, i cried so much to hear of his departing, God needed him in heaven, he did so much for so many many, may you rest in peace. Hugs to the his family at home. And on tv ktla, his legacy lives on forever.

Dawn Kamber

May 25, 2024

I remember Sam from KLCS TV's Student News program. He was focused on being an excellent anchor. I'm pleased to see how he followed his goal of being the best at his chosen profession. I think about him daily. I express my condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who enjoyed his existence. He will be missed.

Victor Santos

May 24, 2024

I grew up watching KCAL in early 1990´s and has been my channel everyone I wake up in the morning when I was in college in Long Beach State. No cell phones, no computers, just a small tv... Sam Rubin´s portion is the only thing I like to watch because it does, give me a good feeling kind-of-day.. Thank you Sam, our prayers to you and your family

Rose Paisant

May 24, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I will miss Sam Ruben, he got me through some dark days with his kindness and love, he cared about everyone.

Sandra Quintana

May 24, 2024

I watched Sam Rubin when he first started and I was pregnant with my 2nd child he always put a smile on my face every day u will be missed in my home sam rubin and go out to ur family love Sandra Quintana

Kelly Yedynak

May 24, 2024

Sam you were one of a kind and your family will forever have amazing memories of you in their life.

Jackie

May 24, 2024

RIP Sam Rubin, I have watched channel 5 KTLA for as long as I can remember. You where the funniest, kindest man. I will continue to pray for your entire family.

Tim Harper

May 23, 2024

A true man. Rest easy Sam

Veronica tompkins

May 23, 2024

My prayers go out to Sam rubin family you will be missed dearly there not a day that I would sit and watch you in the morinings and I'm a big ktla fan only 5.there was no other channel that I would see you were funny your smile your jokes you were the best.my condolences to ktla crew and wife n childrens.r.i.p Sam.dearly missed but never forgotten in r

Donna Lujan

May 23, 2024

KTLA News will never be the same. Sam's happiness lit up the broadcasts. I will miss him.

Cameron Wile

May 23, 2024

Carlos, Barbara, Mark, Sam, Eric, Michele, Gayle, Jennifer York in Skycopter 5...that was L.A. and SoCal in the early to mid 90s. Thanks for 33 entertaining and informative years, Sam. You will be greatly missed.

Victoria Macias

May 23, 2024

His love for donuts. And then when he was starting to loose weight and he said the small treadmill he was using
We went outside and bought one cause we saw results with Sam.
Prayers for his family and work family.
He will be missed always.

Sonia Fernandez

May 23, 2024

I will miss Sam Rubin tremendously. I started my day with Sam on my tv and looked forward to sharing a smile or giggle with him when he came on. I feel absolutely heartbroken bc he felt like a member of my family, because I grew up watching him. My sincerest condolences to his family and tv family. Los Angeles will miss your personality. May you rest in eternal peace and thank you for starting my day with joy. I am so thankful to have been able to watch you for so long.

Debra Danesky

May 23, 2024

Life has certainly changed without Sam, we're still in mourning. Love you Sam.

Vickie Webber

May 23, 2024

I have so many memories. What I can say is every morning faithfully for years and years. I have listened to this man. I´ve watched him smile and laugh so hard. I´ve Heard all about the stars, stories, red carpet, etc. Still today. I´m in shock. I´m just heartbroken for his family his children. Jessica I´m so sorry. The whole Ktla team my heart goes out to you and I continue to pray for peace and comfort. you shared that stage and camera with him every day I can only imagine how hard this will be to enter in on a daily basis knowing he´s not there. I love my Ktla family. It won´t be the same without you Sam. May you rest in peace, and sore high with the angels . I know someday I will see you again and then you can share all the stories of the stars in heaven and what´s been going on. God bless. I remember exactly where I was at the day Princess Diana had passed. The impact of Sam Ruben´s passing was another loss to me like the royal loss. Love to his family and KTLA family.

Rita Wathen

May 23, 2024

I cried for days when Frank announced Sams passing

I had been watching Sam for 30 years. Back in the day when Carlos and Barbara were with him.
Truly will miss him.
My heart thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful Family .

Lodie Pollard

May 23, 2024

Always happy with smiles love and jokes when watching you on KTLA 5.
R.I.P. SAM RUBIN
WE ALL WILL MISS YOU

Veronica tompkins

May 22, 2024

Sam you were the best I would watch you on ktla you will dearly be miss r.ip sam.you had such a beautiful smile you were a humble person and your funny interviews rest easy

Roe

May 22, 2024

I am really going to miss you, Sam every weekday for I don´t know how many years you were certainly a part of the family rest well young man

Anna

May 22, 2024

Seeing him on the morning news with his big beautiful smile and always so happy and the way he eat his cupcakes

Toni Galeano

May 22, 2024

My sincere condolences for the family and the KTLA family. I have watched Sam Rubin, since he started with KTLA, with my kids. Enjoyed every day till his last day worked. I was shocked when I heard the terrible news. He will be miss by many of us. May you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.

Francine Alvarado

May 22, 2024

Rest in Peace Sam. You certainly are a legend that we all will forever remember and miss. When you would laugh, I would laugh. Seeing you and Jessica on the red carpet was always exciting to see. My condolences are with your wife, children, family, and KTLa family.

Hilda A. Vázquez

May 22, 2024

Dear Sam , your fans miss you very much. You were a joy to watch every time . I loved your beautiful smile and your fun interviews, every Hollywood star you interviewed loved you because you were respectful fun and always professional.Im sure you already interviewed a few Hollywood stars in heaven. May you rest in peace Sam . My condolences to sams family and everyone at KTLA . Heaven has gained a wonderful and funny angel. We love you and miss you Sam

Yolie Munoz

May 22, 2024

What a legend brought a smile to everyone´s face... such a loss

Angela

May 22, 2024

Sam I will miss seeing you as part of the KTLA news cast. I have watched you and KTLA over 30 years. I can´t believe you are really gone but, may you rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Susie L.

May 22, 2024

Sam was a ray of light. Always uplifting. I'll miss him on KTLA. Rest well Sam...

Teresa and Derrick Taylor

May 22, 2024

To the man I did not know, but somehow knew. Mornings will never be the same. Rest in God's power. Keep them entertained in Heaven. Peace and !

Janine LaBrecque

May 21, 2024

Sam I watched you from day one on KTLA . It won´t be the same without you. God bless your family and friends

Maureen

May 21, 2024

Sam,
You were the best! You are so missed on TV because you were real

Judy and Jerry Doucett

May 21, 2024

On KTLA. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.

Debra Whyte

May 21, 2024

Jim and Deb Whyte
Dear Sam,
Our deepest condolences to your family and all those at KTLA. You were the best. And it is so appreciated that KTLA chose to suspend news for a couple days so we can all share in the loss. You will be missed.

Diane Hirsch

May 21, 2024

Dear Sam, I miss you so much. I always admired how you treated your interview guests with interest, compassion and humor. You were equally at home on KTLA and the Red Carpet.
I laughed so much when you were interviewed getting out of bed on Oscar morning!
Watching you on TV every morning was one of the greatest joys of living in LA. Your love for the city was obvious. The city will miss you.
My heart goes out to your family and friends. You will always be thought of with love.

Myra Mathieu

May 21, 2024

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. This is one thing I wish I could change and have you back here to continue your job you so loved. I will miss your voice and your laughter. God only takes the best.

Johnny Cruz

May 21, 2024

I'm going to miss Sam Rubin, I've watched ktla since I was a youngster cause that's the only news my Dad would watch, he made me laugh, your going to be really missed, my condolences to his family, may you rest in paradise, eat all the cupcakes you want.....

Adeline Alvarez

May 21, 2024

Still can't believe you're gone does not feel real, God bless your family and KTLA family you will definitely be missed

Maria Lockhart

May 21, 2024

Our condolences to Sam's family and to KTLA family. We will miss you Sam.

Bonnie

May 21, 2024

Sam you were the Vin Scully of entertainment , no one will fill those shoes. Our deepest condolences to your entire family at home and KTLA.

May you be flying on the wings of angels eating all the cupcakes you want you will be truly missed

Alyssa

May 20, 2024

Growing up I would see Sam on my tv every morning, I can remember as early as elementary school. I am now 31 and absolutely heart broken that he won´t be on tv in my living room anymore or posting his sweet IG posts. I will forever love him, Sam Rubin forever.

Irene olivo

May 20, 2024

I will miss your smile the news will not be the same without you

Marjorie Shaw

May 20, 2024

I Will truly miss Sams cheerful face and smile..Rest in God's arms..

Kim Wilson

May 20, 2024

Been watching KTLA since I can remember and Sam Rubin was a huge part of KTLA. Thoughts and prayers to his co workers and his family. RIP Sam

Liza

May 20, 2024

I remember watching Sam with my mom for many years I always loved his smile and his laugh .. I loved how he always talked about his family and kids RiP sammy .... Sending prayers to your family and kids and your ktla family

Denise Davis

May 20, 2024

I love you Sam you was cool I have been watching you for years I will miss from Nee Cee

Leslie Jones

May 20, 2024

So deeply saddened by the loss of, not just an entertainment news icon, but a fellow born & raised Angeleno. Sam's love for L.A. was evident in all he did. I will forever miss the sound of his voice in the mornings; he and the KTLA team were truly like family. My sincere condolences to his friends, family and all who knew him.

Nancy Vento

May 20, 2024

My condolences go out to the family I still cannot believe it's in Ruben is gone I've watched them from the very first day God be with you

Maria Mariscal

May 20, 2024

Just want to say..thank you to the family for sharing him for all those years. His voice will always be in our hearts.

Sharon McMullen

May 20, 2024

Sam Rubin, what can you say? Simply the best on entertainment news. He will be missed!

Monica Hawkes

May 20, 2024

Watching him from the very beginning when he just started. I had been in SoCal since 1985 and loved the KTLA Morning News from the first show. Sam has been with me every morning since then through my marriage, my son's birth, various deaths, my divorce, numerous jobs, my new current relationship, Covid until 2 days before he died. As everyone knows, he was the light of KTLA, LA and beyond. Whenever I heard his entertainment intro music, I was sure to watch, looking forward to what he would talk about in such a fun, engaging manner. I cried when I heard the news of his death on the radio while driving. Such a shock and loss for literally everyone who saw him in person or on TV. He was such a joyful and wonderful spirit. I will eat a cupcake a la Sam Rubin in his honor. Love and light to you in your next journey Sammy, entertaining all.

Vivian Brambila

May 20, 2024

I´m so sad about losing Sam. I looked forward each morning to his humor and I can´t imagine KTLA morning news ever being the same. My prayers go out to his family. You will definitely be missed, Sam. RIP with the angels in Heaven

Jaye Lucero

May 20, 2024

My favorite time was seeing Sam riding the ride at Disneyland. He was wearing a funny hat that with up and down. I still laugh everytime I see it. I lost my was husband at 64 years old from a heart attack, too. My thoughts and memories for your with your family and friends. Sam will be always missed RIP Sam.

Jana Ward

May 20, 2024

Watching Sam for 25 plus years always made me smile and laugh. Watching entertainment won't be the same. His energy and body language with the stars.
Bye Sam. Forever in my heart.

Kathy A. Quintanilla

May 20, 2024

I lived in LA when KTLA news started. I have watched from day one. I have always been a fan watching for these last 33 years. I even got my Mom to switch from another news station to KTLA. How she looked forward to watching Sam and the others every morning drinking her coffee and watching Sam and the other news crew. She got a kick of Sam and often reported to me how he announced the entertainment news. My mother passed away 6 years ago and I have continued to watch KTLA and I supposed always will. It gave me great pleasure to watch Sam, Mark and Eric those were Moms favorite. Every morning I fell as if my Mom is watching with me. Now heaven as my Mom and Sam and I miss them both. Thank you KTLA for continued morning laughter and cheer. I send my condolences to the Rubin family and to the KTLA news crew.

Sue Parker

May 20, 2024

He always gave off happy vibes and made you feel good. Watching him in KTLA since 1992. Will miss you Sam

Morales Family

May 20, 2024

Our deepest condolences to Rubins Family and to his KTLA family- he will be miss.
Heaven has received a entertainment angel! RIP SAM!

Cheryl (Sherman) Thatt-Burbank

May 20, 2024

Showing 1 - 100 of 161 results

Make a Donation
in Sam Rubin's name

How to support Sam's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sam Rubin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Sam Rubin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 20, 2024

Kelly Walz posted to the memorial.

September 15, 2024

Donna Tarrant posted to the memorial.

August 3, 2024

Clifford McKnight posted to the memorial.