Hollywood is mourning the death of beloved entertainment journalist Sam Rubin.
Celebrities took to social media Friday to commemorate the late KTLA reporter after it was confirmed that he had died of a heart attack earlier in the day. He was 64.
“So sad to learn that we’ve lost Sam Rubin,” Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer wrote via X Friday. “It was always a pleasure to see him and to be in his presence. My condolences to his family and fans.”
Ben Stiller also chimed in on the platform, “So sad and sorry to hear of Sam Rubin’s passing.
“Consummate pro. I did my first interview with him in something like ‘93, and countless times over the years. He loved actors and movies.”
Stiller, 58, noted that Rubin “made everyone feel comfortable” and that interviews with him were “always fun and easy.”
The “Meet the Fockers” star concluded, “He was an institution. We have lost him way too soon. Sending love to his family. 💙”
Marlee Matlin added via X, “I am shocked and saddened by the news of Sam Rubin’s untimely passing. If you look up ‘kind’ you would see his picture. RIP, Sam.. you will definitely be missed by me.”
Richard Simmons, who has been living a very private life in recent years, even came forward to speak on Rubin’s death.
“I am so sorry to hear about my friend Sam Rubin going to heaven,” the famed exercise instructor wrote via X.
“I have known him for decades. He was always interested in my projects and always laughed at my silly jokes. Sam you will be missed… Love, Richard Simmons”
Singer Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray also took to X to share his condolences, writing, “Truly heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Sam Rubin from KTLA morning news. He made my mornings, my band and me, more interesting and entertaining than they deserved to be… Thank you Sam, Rest Easy.”
Jerry O’Connell, who considered Rubin a personal friend, posted a screenshot via X of a time when he appeared on KTLA Morning News with the longtime reporter.
The “Talk” alum wrote alongside of it, “Sam Rubin was a LEGEND. Rest In Peace KING.”
O’Connell, 50, also took a moment to call in to KTLA, which has been airing a lengthy segment in honor of their deceased colleague on the live broadcast.
Actors Henry Winkler and Sheryl Lee Ralph also called in to pay their respects. The latter praised Rubin for “taking the time” to get to know his interviewees, adding, “These mornings will never be the same.”
KTLA released a statement addressing Rubin’s passing Friday shortly after TMZ broke the news.
“KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin,” the news station said via X Friday.
“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 continued of Rubin, “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.”
Rubin’s death comes as a shock as he had been on the air Thursday for work, interviewing actress Jane Seymour at the news desk.
However, KTLA shared that he called out sick on Friday morning because he did not feel well.
He reportedly went into cardiac arrest at his home and was transported to UCLA West Hills, where he was pronounced dead.
Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie Rubin, and their four children.
