KTLA entertainment journalist Sam Rubin He died on Friday at the age of 64.. Rubin became a fixture on Los Angeles television after joining the station in 1991 as a reporter for “KTLA Morning News.” worked together Carlos Amezuca, co-host of the innovative morning show. In his own words, Amezcua remembers his lifelong friend and colleague.
Sam Rubin was the spark that ignited the success of “KTLA Morning News.” His passing leaves a huge void not only in our hearts but also in the Hollywood entertainment community.
He was loved and even revered in some circles. Anyone who needed attention for their movies, music, TV shows, and comedy could count on Sam to be there for them. He had a giant personality with a soft touch and was both mischievous and a solid journalist.
He was all of those things to those who watched and interacted with him, but to me he was my friend Sammy. He didn't really like being called that, any more than I liked being called Chuck, but that was our relationship. In the air, we continued with laughter, sarcasm and exorbitant enthusiasm. He knew what our audience wanted and he delivered at all times; He never failed, not even once.
When he came to see us, Barbara Beck and I were told to be careful with the new guy they were bringing in. They wanted to try out to be the Hollywood reporter. I don't know what the bosses were afraid of, but we were welcoming and kind to this impetuous young man, full of bravado and extravagant gestures. He sat down, told us his stories and started to engage in conversation, which surprised us. That was the beginning of the magic that Sam Rubin would bring to “KTLA Morning News.” I loved his wit, his intelligence and his bold approach to entertainment coverage. He couldn't be denied!
A “KTLA Morning News” reunion for the show’s 20th anniversary. From left to right: Michelle Ruiz, Jennifer York, Mark Kriski, Barbara Beck, Sam Rubin, Carlos Amezcua and Eric Spillman.
(KTLA)
I started learning what buttons to push and what would make him angry. I questioned his movie reviews and caught him lying from time to time. It was a sport for Barbara, Mark Kriski and me, and we loved every minute of it. The show became a hybrid news and entertainment show, unlike anything Los Angeles or the United States had seen before.
What I often say about Sam is that he connected us to Los Angeles. He knew Los Angeles better than any of us. He knew the people, the actors in show business and spoke their language. Sam and I had many animated conversations about what he was doing and I told him that we would all have his back if the bosses ever got in his way. Admittedly, the bosses never did it and our program became one of the most successful in the history of Los Angeles. For more than 30 years he gave everything he had. He was unwavering, cheerful, magnanimous and motivated. At 64 years old, he could outperform any journalist half his age.
The last time we had drinks together, we were both a little melancholic. Time had passed too quickly and we were talking about all the things we still wanted to do in our old age. He was enthusiastic about his family, especially his children, and we would share stories about our children. He was a very loving man who made everyone around him better. He loved his entertainment team, who worked tirelessly to bring his creative and sometimes eccentric ideas to life.
For me personally, I will always be grateful that you listened to my suggestion to promote Latin talent. Sam invited a young George Lopez and a parade of Latin actors, writers and musicians who were not seen on any other morning show in the country. My Latino community loved him, I respected his efforts and was grateful that he made all of that happen.
KTLA's Sam Rubin and Jessica Holmes.
(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
The entire morning news team experience in those early years was like lightning in a bottle. The daily roll call, as the show began, declared who you would see on the show: “Carlos Amezcua, Barbara Beck, Mark Kriski – weather, Sam Rubin – entertainment, Eric Spillman, Michele Ruiz and Jennifer York on Skycam5.” What a lineup, what bravado! It took a large, dedicated team to make it all work, although Sam would sheepishly love to take most of the credit!
There is no denying that he was the central catalyst that made “KTLA Morning News” the powerhouse it remains today. His mark on broadcasting is undeniable and indisputable. He was an original, a genius, my colleague, but above all, he was my dear friend. I'll miss you, Sammy. Rest in peace. Love, Chuck.
