Ryan Seacrest reveals he once ‘replaced’ Sam Rubin as presenter pays tribute to ITV This Morning star after his death

RYAN Seacrest has shared a touching tribute to the late Sam Rubin following the beloved TV anchor’s abrupt death.

The award-winning Los Angeles journalist passed away suddenly on Friday, May 10, aged just 64.

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Ryan, 49, took to Instagram to share a photo commemorating the loss shortly after his announcement.

He stood by Sam’s side, and they flashed TV smiles at Disneyland after Sam interviewed him late last month.

The American Idol judge and future Wheel of Fortune host wore a black suit and looked radiant.

Sam changed into a navy blue suit and put his arm around Ryan.

‘IT HAS ALWAYS IMPRESSED ME’

In his caption, Ryan shared that he once filled in for a TV anchor and it was one of his first major gigs.

“Early in my career, one of my first live Los Angeles TV roles was filling in for Sam when he was on vacation,” he wrote.

“His charm, his fun spirit and his professionalism have always impressed me.

My condolences to your family and the KTLA family. He will be missed by all of us.”

‘VERY SAD’

Fans flooded Ryan’s tribute, mourning the loss and expressing shock at how recently the two were together.

“It’s crazy that this photo of you two was taken so recently and now he’s gone. Tomorrow is not promised, RIP Sam Rubin,” read one comment.

“Very sad day. Can’t stop watching the great memories they are sharing on KTLA. I have been. Faithful viewer since the days of Sam Carlos Barbara Mark Gail. Rest in peace, Sam,” wrote another.

“I’m so sorry for your loss Ryan, we’ve watched you and Sam over the years and it breaks my heart,” wrote a third.

“Very sad. he was such a gentleman those times I was on KTLA with him. a tremendous loss. prayers for his family today. #rip sam,” a fourth wrote.

‘I enjoyed catching up’

Sam interviewed Ryan on April 29, 2024, and shared footage of the interview on his Instagram.

Ryan wanted to make it clear that they were on equal footing, talking about his KISS-LA show and clarifying “in our business” to Sam.

Sam captioned the post: “Enjoyed talking to @ryanseacrest at Disneyland. We’ll be having that full conversation soon. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek…”

Ryan was one of Sam’s last A-list interviews, his last post saw him enthusiastically teasing an interview with Jane Seymore.

TRAGIC LOSS

Sam passed away in a Los Angeles hospital after an unexpected incident over the weekend.

He suffered a fatal heart attack after doing his regular Hollywood news segment on Friday, according to Variety.

The anchor was rushed from his home to a Los Angeles hospital, where he went into complete cardiac arrest, due to TMZ.

TV show This Morning took to Instagram with a “heavy heart” to pay tribute to the late Hollywood Reporter.

In part, the statement to read: “He woke up Tinseltown every day for decades with his pleasant charm and knowledgeable view of the movie world, he was on first name terms with the stars and became affectionately known as ‘Hollywood Sam’. We will miss him.”

BELOVED TV SET

Sam was a longtime reporter known for his coverage of the Los Angeles area.

He has worked at The CW affiliate KTLA since 1991 and generally covered entertainment, movies and TV news.

Rubin was also part of the showbiz segment on ITV’s This Morning.

The multiple Emmy award winner was once named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.

His entertainment coverage earned him a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.

The decorated journalist has interviewed many A-list celebrities over the years.

He’s chatted with Mariah Carey, Zendaya and Usher throughout his illustrious career.

Sam Rubin is survived by his widow, Leslie, and their four children.

The family lived together in their Brentwood home.

A-LISTERS FLOOD SOCIAL MEDIA

Several other celebrities took to social media on Friday after they learned of Rubin’s passing.

“Sam Rubin, you will be missed. A good guy, this Sam”, actor Tom Hanks he wrote On Instagram.

“RIP Sam Rubin… Your professionalism was unmatched by your kindness and humanity. I will miss your presence on the red carpet. God bless your loved ones. Good luck,” actress Viola Davis said in Instagram.

“Even though I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even though HE was in his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity and an innovative question,” said actor Ryan Renolds. commented.

Actor Ben Stiller called Rubin a “consummate professional” and expressed his sadness upon learning of his death.

“I did my first interview with him in 1993, and countless times over the years, he loved actors and movies,” Stiller wrote on Twitter. X.

“He made everyone feel comfortable and was always fun and easy. He was an institution. We lost him too soon.”

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