Cause of death of Sam Rubin, longtime KTLA Hollywood reporter, announced by LA County coroner

Sam Rubin, the longtime KTLA entertainment reporter who became a fixture in Los Angeles television news, died of natural causes, the Los Angeles County coroner said Tuesday.

Rubin died in May at age 64 after a decades-long career at the station. He joined KTLA in 1991 and once hosted his own television show, “Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin,” which ran for over 100 episodes. Rubin headed the entertainment desk, gained a loyal fan base and made a name for himself on the red carpet over the course of his more than 30-year career.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said in a statement released Tuesday that the journalist’s cause of death was “ischemic heart disease secondary to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (fatal heart attack due to lack of blood and oxygen to the heart).”

The coroner said Rubin went to the hospital on May 10 with stomach pains after calling 911 and consulting his doctor. He later died in the hospital’s emergency room.

Rubin was a San Diego native who, in addition to his television career, wrote two biographies – one about Jackie Onassis and one about Mia Farrow. He was also a founding member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, which organizes the annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. Rubin hosted the 2013 awards ceremony.

His last on-air interview was with actress Jane Seymour, who was promoting the third season of Harry Wild at the time. He posted the interview on X just one day before his sudden death.

“With a filmography as long as my arm, Jane Seymour needs no introduction. And she’s not stopping anytime soon…” Rubin wrote.

Rubin will be remembered for his ability to create unforgettable moments while interviewing a wide range of celebrities in the entertainment capital – and after his death, everyone from Tom Hanks to LA Mayor Karen Bass paid tribute to him.