The teenage son of beloved showbiz reporter and KTLA anchor Sam Rubin paid tribute to his father, who died suddenly Friday after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital.
Sam Rubin, 64, suffered a heart attack at home after doing his regular morning Hollywood news segment.
On Monday, Sam’s 16-year-old son Colby bravely sat on the same set where his father sat last week alongside his father’s KTLA co-anchors while paying tribute to his father.
Colby, one of four children, gasped several times during the heartbreaking seven-minute segment as he read aloud a letter addressed personally to his father.
It left those gathered around the anchor’s desk in tears, as staff at the local television station mourned the death of Rubin, who had been with the television station since 1991.
Cory Rubin, 16, teenage son of television reporter Sam Rubin, paid tribute after his sudden death from a heart attack in Los Angeles.
The emotional segment left Rubin’s colleagues at the host’s desk in tears.
Rubin began working at KTLA 33 years ago and became a regular on the station’s red carpets and morning show, often doing live interviews with stars who stopped by.
“The outpouring (of support) has been tremendous,” Colby said during the broadcast on KTLA. “And people I didn’t even know are reaching out… I was on a trip with my dad and the people on that trip from a different country said, ‘we’re so sorry,’ so it’s like a reunion.”
Colby then read part of a letter he had written to his late father live on television.
“Hey dad, I wrote this under the desk in your cubicle where you used to catch me sleeping, only this time you weren’t there to wake me up,” Colby began.
‘Dad, I can’t believe you’re gone. You will never pick me up from school again, we will never be able to ride bikes, we will never argue about food, you will not be at my wedding. I can’t believe you’re gone.
‘I love you a lot. You were the kindest soul. They were the light in every room. I can not imagine my life without you.
‘You took me to all the Boy Scout meetings. Every physical therapy appointment. Every trip to Disney.
‘I would like more than anything to be able to show you how grateful I am and how much I love you. “I can’t believe you’re gone,” she added as the excitement grew.
‘You were an incredible father and friend. On our car rides you told me a lot about life. About your job, about how you woke up every day and could do what you love.
‘I idolized you. You were and are, you will always be my hero. And I never got to tell you, and I’m so sorry.
The excitement was simply too much for Rubin’s fellow hosts Jessica Holmes, Mark Kriski, Frank Buckley and Dayna Devon, who were visibly emotional.
‘You always knew what to say and you helped me a lot in life. You helped me every day and encouraged me. I am completely who I am because of you. You were always smiling and laughing and you were everything good in the world.
‘I can’t believe I lost you. You took care of me and helped those around you. You instilled in me a moral compass and values that I will carry throughout my life. Dad, I am very proud to be your son. You are a beautiful human being and you will never be forgotten. Dad, I love you. I’m so lost without you. I will miss you every day.
‘He has never left. He has an online presence of over 30 years, so I always have a place to turn to.”
Cory, left, had been traveling with his father, Sam, just when he suddenly passed away.
KTLA’s Sam Rubin and his son Colby Rubin, who was nine years old at the time, are seen in a Star Wars movie in December 2016.
Colby talked about a time when his father had been there to support him, including on a kayaking trip.
Rubin, left, is seen with co-workers participating in a charity bike ride in 2011.
Cory, right, in photos with his brothers, Rory, Perry and Darcy.
In response to Colby’s touching tribute, the hosts said: ‘You have a lot of uncles and aunts here. We got you. We have your back.’
Rubin began working at KTLA 33 years ago and became a regular on the station’s red carpets and morning show, often doing live interviews with stars who stopped by to promote their latest projects.
Rubin also worked with Australian breakfast shows Today and Today Extra and This Morning in the UK.
He had received multiple Emmy Awards, a Golden Mic Award for Best Entertainment Reporter, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
He was also named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club.
Colby was hugged by co-workers who pledged to be by his side as he mourns his father.
Veteran reporter Sam Rubin died at the age of 64 after a heart attack in Los Angeles on Friday.
Colby told how his father was always by his side, supporting him in his endeavors.
By all accounts, Rubin was a colleague who was fun to be around.
The reporter, who was last on air Friday, has worked at KTLA since 1991, covering entertainment, movies and television (pictured on KTLA 5 with his former colleagues).
Rubin’s last interview was with 73-year-old Jane Seymour. After learning of the journalist’s death, Seymour wrote: “It’s hard to believe I was with (Sam Rubin) yesterday. I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing… ‘You will be missed Sam.’
A marquee tribute to the sudden loss of legendary news anchor Sam Rubin is seen at KTLA.
In 2013, Rubin received the Impact Award from the National Hispanic Media Coalition for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism.
His last interview was with Jane Seymour, 73, who was promoting the third series of her Acorn show, Harry Wilde.
After learning of the journalist’s death, Seymour wrote: ‘It’s hard to believe I was with (Sam Rubin) yesterday. I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing.’
Ryan Reynolds spoke of Rubin’s kindness and professionalism.
‘Even though I was at my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even though HE was in his 85th interview that day, she always brought genuine kindness, curiosity, and an out-of-the-ordinary question,” the Deadpool actor said.
Selma Blair recalled: “You were my first on-air interview and one of my last. I feel very lucky to have watched and known you for so many years.
‘Oh, Sam! This is a sad moment, knowing that you are not here on this Earth. Your memory will be a blessing. Another beloved favorite! Thank you for your humanity.’
