L.A.’s Very Own, KTLA 5, is honoring the life of late entertainment anchor Sam Rubin, who passed away suddenly on Friday, May 10 at the age of 64. Sam joined KTLA in 1991 and, over the following three decades, informed and entertained millions of people.
Below are some of the unedited condolences offered by viewers. Tap here to submit a message.
Sending my sincere condolences to Sam Rubin’s family & his KTLA family; hoping all the beautiful memories & stories of Sam will bring comfort to all. He will truly be missed by all. Rest in Heavenly Peace Sam Rubin. 💔🙏🏼 -Pauline Cisneros, Baldwin Park
Heaven has gained a very special angel and I hope you are able to find comfort in hearing the stories, feeling the love and knowing Sam was a special person to all who knew him. -Patricia Lange
I’ve watched KTLA Morning News every day since 1991. Sam was like a part of my family, my sweet goofy uncle with a heart of gold. He will be so deeply missed by my family, and my mornings wont ever be quite the same. I’m gonna go scarf some donuts in his memory. Thank you for the laughs and joy, Sam. -Rhiannon Jung
Sam,
You will be missed. You will continue to be treasured,
Signed, One of the thousands. -Patricia Veselich
I was born in 1996 and have watched Sam Rubin on tv quite literally my entire life. Before I would even open my eyes Sam’s voice would be one of the first things I’d hear every day. His warm, joyous, and sweet voice will forever be missed in our household. He had the gift of a magic spirit and was truly one of a kind. There will never be anyone like him. Sending all my condolences and prayers to his wife, kids and family. The world lost one of its best. -Aimee Lopez
I just wanted to say to all his family and friends that I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was a beautiful human being and truly cared for everyone he came in contact with. I will miss his humor and smiles. I feel so blessed to see him and wondered what kind of mischief he would get into next. Im so impressed with his son, Colby, who talked about his Dad in such a loving way. We will miss you Sam. You were truly one of a kind. RIP Sam. -John, Kathryn and Brandon Purdy
I haven’t stopped crying for 4 days now. I love the person you were and admired your quick wit and intellect. Sam I will never forget you, pray for you and continue to love you. Thankful to have had you as part of my life! -Carol
Just an all around wonderful person. My daughter and I watched Sam on all the award shows, KTLA 5 broadcasts, and his interviews were just warm and heartfelt! Thank you all for including us in your open letter of love with the live broadcast May 10th and his son’s message this week. My condolences and prayers to family, friends, and KTLA. 🙏🏽💐 Life well lived♥️ -Susan Van Buren
My condolences to Sam’s family, colleagues and friends. What an awesome personality. He will be missed. -Theresa Fiallos
I have heard and seen it, and I have yet to believe that Sam is gone. I never knew him in person but I knew him. My tears are still falling since Friday. My mornings will never be the same, sitting and watching the clock waiting for Sam’s part to finish before leaving for work. That smile and laughter no more. My deepest sympathies to the Rubin family and the KTLA family. We will never forget you! I love you guys. -Bree
Our condolences to the Ruin family. We lived in SoCal for over 30 years and now reside in Murrells inlet SC. Heard the sad news since we still listen to Inland Empire radio stations and was shocked when the news came out about Sam. KTLA was our morning show to watch and was greeted every morning with Sams infectious smile and antics like his difficulty pronoucing a word to be rescued by the Anchors! RIP Sam! -Michael Universal
I think Sam R. Deserves a Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame My Thoughts. -Gloria Jones
ICONIC. Sam Rubin was iconic in the Entertainment World. The Best Entertainment Anchor and Reporter of any generation so far. My prayers go out to his family, his colleagues, and the millions of viewers who loved and respected him. Special prayers to the KTLA 5 Morning News Teams since 1993. You’ve all lost a Brother. -Linda Felix
I have written condolences on Facebook and Instagram but I want to say that seeing Colby on the KTLA Morning news this morning eulogizing his father was one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had watching tv. What a brave, caring, kind young man he obviously is. He will take the lessons his dad taught him forward, I am sure. I do hope he takes care of himself and his family, too, though! Blessings and peace to the Rubin family and all those close to Sam at KTLA. -Deb Bennett, Moreno Valley
Sam Rubin was an amazing person. He went out of his way to make everyone feel important and treated everyone with dignity and respect. I was so blessed to have met him. Thank you Sam. My heart breaks for his family, he will truly be missed. -Yvette Renova
I just want to say how very sorry I am to hear about Sam. My husband and I lived in California for many years and just recently moved to Florida, however we still love watching KTLA and feel a deep connection with the entire team there. We always looked forward to seeing Sam and his entertainment reports, and loved watching his Red Carpet shows as well. He was a truly iconic and talented, and will certainly be missed by so many people whose lives he has touched. So for now we just say so long Sam, and thank you for a job well done!
Sincerely,
Sharon and Eric Hopkins
Just imagine how much better the world would be if only people could be as nice to each other as Sam. RIP Sam, a good man taken way too soon. 🙏🏻 -James D.
I want to send my condolences for Sam Rubin to his family and his TV family. I have been watching KTLA morning news for over 30 years and the thought of Sam not being there really saddens me. Today was a good day with all the memories of him but when the tribute stops and we go back to normal it will affect everybody that he will no longer report entertament for us. Sam will be dearly missed. I can still hear his laughter. May you all have some peace and stay strong for everybodys SAM RUBIN. -Josie M, Ontario
RIP Sam❤️- He was always there as i was getting ready to go to school. He was the funniest person @6am. Very sad and my condolences to his family and as well to the KTLA family. -Josue M.
Sam was such a beautiful person to watch every day and laugh with as I got my day started. It’s been beautiful the way everyone at KTLA is taking the time to grieve together and with the viewers. It really did hurt our hearts to hear the news. My condolences to his family and friends. He’s getting the stories up in heaven now. -Norma
We all miss Sam Rubin, he was a wonderful man. Are deepest condolences to all of the family/KTLA/and friends. So sad god bless you all!!! -Melanie Carefoot
Missing Sam already, Sam made me laugh and made me cry. He had that effect on Los Angeles daily. I’ll miss the stories he told his sincerity and you knew you were getting the facts accurately and without bias. Often his reporting was the topic discussion around the break room. He’s going to be missed not just by colleagues, family and friends Los Angeles will miss him. My condolences to his family, co-workers and his many friends. May his memory be a comfort and a blessing. – Chrisina Denbaugh, Gardena
I’ve been watching News from Friday regarding “Sam Rubin” today again regarding life, moments of Sam Rubin – and look all of you , all you talk and experience with him . So I can tell you all of you – You all was working with a Special Angel ! 👼💕👼 🙏 You not realizing but Angels always shows on are life! I love KTLA5. God Bless a you all – 🙏👼 –Chris, Simi Valley
We love you Sam Rubin, much love and respect to all of you at ktla5..ur part of my life and family… -Jaime Lopez, Fontana
I think you should forever have a chair empty at the desk as if Sam was there. -Robert Molnar, Banning
Sammy always connected to the audience, us, not only with words and humor but eye contact constantly. He spoke to us. Some others could learn from that. -Darlene, Huntington Beach
Sam you, when the sky is blue we all smile just like you, & wish all you touched will smile when we look up into the blue sky to see you, Sam, I smile just like you. Rest in peace. -Victor Zamora
I’ve been watching KTLA since 1965 and I remember the bubble helicopter!! When I first saw Sam Rubin I liked him and the skits he did especially with Heidi Klum when she fed him the donut!! His little skits and his way were truly FUN, THE RED CARPET WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! Rest in Peace SWEET PRINCE!! -David Sharp, Anaheim
I watched Frank and all the others that came on that day to give tributes to Sam and all the videos you showed of this very loving, self-depreciating, warm, funny and comforting man for hours. I want to thank you for the continuing tributes you are doing for Sam. He deserves every minute of it and I again say THANK YOU. -Ron Nett
I am 80 years old and feel like I have know Sam Ruben all my life. I cannot imagine life without him. My wife and I always looked forward to seeing him on television. Simply the best and will be sorely missed. Life will not be the same. For the rest of you, keep your chins up and continue to make your entertainment department the best there is. That is what Sam would have wanted. -Danny Jackson
I have two beautiful topical fish with no names. They now are Sam and Rubin the most colorful one is Sam of course Now when I view my aquarium you know who I will be thinking of and it’s daily. Thank you so very much Sam. -Dave Schroeder, La Habra Heights
Sam Rubin should get a star on the walk of fame. I’ve been watching Ktla for over 30 years. He is truly an icon to all of us who he knew and the devoted viewers. -Rula Korkis, Los Angeles
Would you consider naming the Sam Rubin Studio as the broadcast location? I’ve watched the KTLA morning news since the beginning and can’t even fathom not seeing Sam daily. This is just too sad. -Bess Petlak, Los Angeles
I NOMINATE Sam Rubin For a Hollywood Star in his memory. His wife accepts his honor. TEARS WE all Loved Sam Rubin he’s worthy of a Hollywood Star!!! -Holly, Las Vegas
Hello. I wanted to say a story about Sam and how he became a huge part of my life. When I came here to Los Angeles from El Salvador in 1989 I didn’t know any English and I was just scrolling through channels and then I see Sam Rubin on that TV and it just caught my attention and from then I’ve been watching KTLA for so many years, because of Sam Ruben I actually learned English so I appreciate you guys and him so much. Sam Rubin will be truly missed he just made our mornings and more. -Lilian Contreras, Van Nuys
Watching the news in tears. My mornings will never be the same without Sam Rubin. We living the most sad first day without him. His energy will be remembered and will help our healing –Reyna Eccleston, Seal Beach
KTLA has been a staple in my mornings since I was a young adult. I’ve needed it every morning throughout the different stages of my life from college, through my various jobs and family milestones. It is a part of my daily life. That may sound crazy to some, but it’s my truth. Sam was the entertainment know-it-all, in all the greatest ways. Besides his unmatching knowledge of all things entertainment, he was a loving and adventurous family man with a big heart and an infectious smile. He truly will be missed. KTLA won’t be the same. -Tara Wellington, San Bernardino
Northern lights light up the way to Heaven for Sam Rubin -Irene Cruise, Independence
Sam was the most Awesome Guy His story and Life deserves a week of stores He was a pro and was always so happy He will be missed in our hearts and our House I loved his laugh and smile One of the good ones We were lucky to have him! -Garyl Shartsis, La Crescenta
He was our coffee & our every morning conversation. He was the sparkle of Los Angeles personified. He loved interacting, & magically, by his professional & personal style of being so tuned in; made his interviews & red carpet events warm, genuine & real because he was real. A guy whose laughter & sunny disposition made everyone comfortable & every discussion optimistic & engaging. His greatest talent? Listening. Validating every person with whom he spoke. Humble, present, welcoming, always making others feel heard. Sam connected people. When he tipped his microphone toward his guest’s voice, he opened his heart & his mind to their story. -Malia Cote, Newport Beach
I nominate Sam Rubin for a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame✨️ Also, love and hugs for the entire KTLA Family. Tku for sharing such beautiful tributes in honor of our Sam Rubin♥️ –Eileen Cabrera, Bermuda Dunes
Condolences for the loss of Sam Rubin. Prays for family, friends, I’m just a KTLA viewer. KTLA on all day every day. I had to rewind the tv, did I hear that right? What, I was shocked. News team in tears, We are All in tears 🙏🙏🙏 at a loss for words. Sam will be missed 😢 RIP -Sherry, Los Alamitos
Sam Rubin channel 5’s entertainment guru we will miss you. We are still in shock. May you rest in piece Sam you brought entertainment to all of us not just with your reports but with your smile and laughter and the good sport you always were. You never refused to try anything. I particularly remember the ice bath. We will miss your smiling face. Blessings to your family and may you always rest with that amazing smile you shared with the world. -Merrilyn, Long Beach
Send in my condolence to all the channel 5 staff in the loss of one of their loving members. Sam Ruben, what a shock to me. I’m always watching channel 20 years plus and wow and now not to see him there. Its really gonna take a toll on the entertainment section of channel 5 cause. He was number one for bringing you all the entertainment up-to-date. -Gail, Hemet
On this 5-10-2024 day that we have lost Sam Rubin, it’s interesting- by adding the date numbers sideways as in numerology = 14 = 5. R. I. P. Sam. -Mary Bridges, Yorba Linda
First issue my condolences to the KTLA family and his wife and his kids. Our legend is still with us and will continue for long long time. Please please inform the viewers when will they his funeral service. May God Bless Sam Soul 🙏 ❤️ RIP -Louie Goryoka, Agoura Hills
DEAR KTLA Family – I am sooooooooooooooo Sorry the loss of Sam Rubin….his laugh was infectious ….LOS ANGELES will miss him DEARLY… he is truly one of Our Angels… Fly him Sam…. Job Well Done :) Job Well Done… -Holli Carr, Inglewood
Sam Rubin
I’m so very sorry, I still can’t believe our Sammy is gone. My husband and I watched Thursday morning news broadcast and saw Sam in the new room before the break, I made a comment to my husband, ” There’s Sam putting on his jacket, getting ready for his entertainment segment.” We love watching Sam through the years. My heart is broken I feel like I lost a family member. Love to his family and to his KTLA family. We’ll miss you Sammy…. -Jackie Melton
In my heart he is “simply the best.”
I will always remember him . –Linda Quintanar
I have watched Sam since 1991. My kids grew up watching him as well. While they were getting ready for school I would always have the TV on. Even though I did not know him personally my heart broke and I find myself crying. He was truly an amazing person who you couldn’t help but love. My condolences to his wife children family and his KTLA family.. R.I.P. Sam Rubin💔 -Elizabeth
