Original KTLA 5 Morning News crew honors the life and legacy of KTLA's Sam Rubin

The original crew of the KTLA 5 Morning News, including Dayna Devon, Wendy Burch, Carlos Amezcua, Eric Spillman and Mark Kriski came to the studio on Saturday to honor the life of Sam Rubin and discuss some of their favorite memories of him. (May 11, 2024)
KTLA 5 News - Keeping Southern Californians informed since 1947.

[@anazuniga7780]

I came to the US in 1991, and put KTLA morning news every day on the tv, and we were about the same age starting something new. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this crew. Miss Sam RIP.

[@nataliemira2073]

Ktla is the best and always has been . I’m 40 this year , I grew up watching the original cast ,, every morning ,, and I still remember all their names . Sam Ruben , mark krisky , Carlos Amescua , Barbara beck , Jennifer York , Gayle Anderson , and then alittle later Eric spillmen joined ! I was maybe 8 years old and I would wake up , eat my cereal and watch them ,,that’s how great they were was they had a child watching the news ❤ and Sam was my Fave ❤

[@doloresbriseno2567]

Much respect to Carlos, Wendy, Mark, Eric, Barbara, Jennifer, and, of course, Sam. I loved their morning show. Watched it every day when I moved to LA.

[@eddieonmelrose]

Hey guys, just extending my thanks for SAM and the rest of the gang for getting through my 45 years of living in LA helping me get the real local news!!!

[@hookem2003]

Sam was larger than life. We are all grieving, right now. Thinking of his family. RIP GOAT.

[@saulalvarez220]

My heart breaks, Sam was so LA as much as a person can get. From Palmdale to Ventura, from the OC/IE to Santa Monica and beyond.... KTLA won't be the same without you. We will miss you! RIP Sam Rubin, only 64 years old

[@ErikFlores-mo3fs]

No this guy can’t be dead

[@yvetterodriguez2550]

This was the best way to remember the legend and the icon that is Sam Rubin. Getting the old gang back and reminisce the good times of Sam and his silliness. I know this is what he would've liked when remembering him. He enjoyed when he had a moment with someone. He loved talking to people and being very personable. Such a goofball but professional as well. Always game for anything. It's like I can feel his presence when I hear everyone laughing. I remarked in a previous video about how it's as if I can still hear him off to the side laughing and chiming in about how awesome it is to see everyone there talking about him. Aww 😢

[@shaolin224]

I remember Carlos 👋

[@EagleEyeMyotte13420]

Wow, what a shocker. That's a bummer to hear about Sam. Passing away unexpectedly. Yesterday my heart was broken It seems like it's just a dream. I'm a long time viewer of channel 5 KTLA Sam was a man of the people I didn't watch the news since 1991 up until May 9th. Was the last time I saw Sam.... I'm gonna miss that smile and his laughter. R.I.P. SAM....😢 💔 My condolence to the news station and his family....

[@reefultz309]

Thank you for gathering my scattered thoughts & putting them down to clearly express my heartbreak. I've known Sam as long as I've known my oldest daughter, circa 1991. This has really been a terrible, unexpected experience. My condolences to you, as well.

[@FKNTONY450]

R.I.P SAM RUBIN. 😢 L.A LOVES YOU!!

[@saulalvarez220]

It was as painful as when Chris Burrios died in 2018... actually, this might be worse.

[@ytkmh123]

@@saulalvarez220so true ❤❤❤

[@dezrat]

I'm blown away. Sam was always uplifting. Thank you all for your words.

[@dmotta2811]

RIP SAM ❤🌹 I’m glad Mark came in , it must be so hard for him. I wish Barbara was there.

[@chrischeshire6528]

And Jennifer York.

[@dmotta2811]

@@chrischeshire6528 oh , yes! Jennifer

[@chrischeshire6528]

@@dmotta2811 I just read on the KNX web page that yesterday was Jen's last day doing traffic on KNX News Radio. She is moving on to Kaiser Permanently hospital to be a marriage therapist.

[@bobgordon236]

Oh and Mark Mester.

[@pamelamays4186]

Respect for Sam from San Diego, California.

[@dodgerguy2012]

RIP Sam, thank you for starting my day off with a smile.

[@zzygyy]

I watched him since 1991. He was an awesome man. 👍 RIP

[@mantronixtube]

grew up watching you guys 💗💗💗💗💗 big hugs....this was so so awesome.

[@TedMarak-dd2to]

I watched KTLA when I lived in Flagstaff in '91' carlos, Barbara, Mark, Eric, Sam. And since. KTLA is the best. Thank you

[@TedMarak-dd2to]

I live in Nebraska and still watch

[@coolcal19]

Just utter sadness how they would talk about this man. I just lost my best uncle through cancer 2 weeks ago so I can imagine the family’s grief. 😢😢😢 my sincere condolences to the family and rest in peace, Mr Sam Rubin. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ErikFlores-mo3fs]

We love you Sam

[@vickiefinn8173]

Really enjoyed listening to the OGs telling stories about Sam they did a fantastic job. Sam will truly be missed.💔

[@carolynnowak3823]

As snowbirds from BC we always watched KTLA in the morning from Palm Springs. Sam Rubin always shined! Condolences to his immediate family and his KTLA family.❤️

[@diazjr1975]

Still shocked! So happy to see Carlos back honoring one of the OG's. Sam, thank you for many years of laughter and craziness. You were truly Hollywoods ambassador.

[@cooklionnews1898]

Thank you for all the loving tributes. While Sam was a part of our family’s morning coffee in SoCal, we received the shocking news of his passing while visiting Manhattan. Although he was local news, Sam had a national presence. It was hard to know we were coming home to a missing piece of our mornings. Condolences to Sam’s family and his KTLA family.

[@nyla298]

I lived all the way up in Santa Maria ,, I remember when the morning show started , my family watched it

[@AndrewSmith-qw5kt]

Ok

[@saulalvarez220]

​@@AndrewSmith-qw5kt Why the smh?

[@hrhtreeoflife4815]

Q This is a very respectful BEAUTIFULLY DONE honor 🎖 For Sam. Condolences to everyone both reading this and watching this. God bless every one of you! Q❤

[@EagleEyeMyotte13420]

Sam Wasn't just a reporter on entertainment. He was a man of the people!! It's a sad day

[@HighwayLand]

Watching this from my home in Oregon. It's awesome to see all of you guys together. I started watching KTLA in 1991 out in Norwalk, all of you guys are like family to me. RIP Sam Rubin, one of the greatest!

[@sandijohnson4630]

I started watching in '92 and lived in Norwalk! This is incredibly sad and unexpected.

[@karenweaver134]

Sam was a cool guy! I always enjoyed watching him!

[@yvetterodriguez2550]

I love this news channel. They feel like family and you can see it. You can see how close they all are. The get-togethers they have after work, the events they go to, the jokes they have between each other, it's like family. This is why I have continued to watch this news channel in the mornings for years. Why the community loves these reporters. Even if you're a viewer who is alone or doesn't have a family, you turn on KTLA 5 and you check in with them as you're getting ready for school or work or just to start your day of rest, they come on and talk about what's going on in their lives, what movie they saw, what their kid did on their birthday etc. It's moments like those that make us connect with everyone at KTLA 5. They're like an extended family of ours and the community. We all feel your loss guys ❤.

[@kevinpariseau8307]

I'm really gonna miss Sam. His style of reporting the entertainment news will never be matched by anyone. I feel that watching KTLA will be different without Sam R.I.P 🙏🙏💔💔

[@tiffanyb.7596]

While our hearts are heavy memories of Sam brings light. Thank you for this heartfelt tribute with your stories & love to Sam. Sam will forever be the best. ♥️

[@herbie1234567890]

The fear of (Hal) Fischman-ha!Great stories … great reminiscing under sad circumstances. Condolences to the Rubin family and KTLA team.

[@fromtheinvisibledeskofmiked]

We love Sam , Carlos and the original 1991 ktla

[@electricelephantTV]

Whenever I had KTLA on in the morning and I was going about getting ready for the day, hearing Sam Rubin talk was all I needed. The sound of his voice and his tone was always so positive, and it just put me in a good mood. It never mattered what he was saying, just that he would fill the room with joy and positivity. We are all so blessed that he could brighten the weeks, day after day, just by speaking. He was way too young and still full of so much life. God rest his soul. RIP. I am sorry for the loss of this legendary man.

[@kbaseheart]

I couldn’t believe it when I heard about Sam. Thinking of all you and his family. I’ve been watching all of you online from No Calif. for years. Rest in Peace Sam. We will all miss you. 😢

[@msdebagain1]

we watched the morning news on KTLA back in 91 when we could still watch it in San Diego. RIP Sam

[@aviduser1961]

It's good to see Carlos again. Sam was part of the fabric that is L.A.

[@libbie7777]

Rest in peace Sam Rubin we will miss you..❤. Nice To see your ktla Family brings back so many memories. Carlos Amezcue nice to know you both kept in touch . Always in our hearts Sam Rubin.

[@cindygarcia4951]

Barbara Beck....yes...I remember her too.Hope all is well with you & HAPPY 💐 MOTHERS DAY

[@stacyscooby8488]

Lots of Love RIp Sam sending Lots of hugs . and Love.

[@gabrieladeuschle3596]

He was so down to Earth! I can't believe he actually messaged me back when I asked about Christina's departure from KTLA. I was in shock that he replied. That's what a wonderful person he was. He took the time to read my message, and answered back. I will never delete that message. Rest In Power our sweet Sam. I'm so sorry we lost you, but in a very heartfelt way I'm glad you didn't go thru a long hard journey to your demise. You didn't deserve that either. I'm happy you loved your job and shared that with us. Rest In Power Sam Rubin! The TRUE entertainment G.O.A.T.! ❤🌹❤️

[@Tonimaroni2BeKindToAnimals]

I really enjoyed this, thank you ❤ I’m so sorry. I am a 64 year old Southern California girl who watched regularly.

[@vitast2000]

My mother passed away a few years back, but I always remember how I woke up every morning for school and my mother would have the ktla morning news on while preparing our breakfast and lunch. I would sit there, eat my breakfast while watching Sam Rubin and Mark Kriski bicker with each other, and would think, "What kind of news is this?!?!".

[@colleencrane4843]

I'm so sorry for your loss, just can't believe it,Sam was the best and so loved by so many, including me, Bless You all ❤💔❤️💔😢😢😢

[@karitahannikainen4734]

Lots of Love 🍃❤🍃

[@delatorture1633]

Started watching in 1997. Best morning show ever. Carlos and the cast were so loose and fun. Every morning was fun. Thank you guys.

[@susankwan6229]

Condolences to Sam’s family and friends. Any time I saw or heard his voice on our television, it filled the room with a cheerful aura. The comments on Hal Fishman brought back memories, too. Sam and Hal will forever be LA local news icons.

[@janetb4749]

I watched this group when they first started on KTLA..watched every morning.. getting my girls ready for school & I was getting ready for work...when I moved to TX in 2001...It took me awhile to find & connect to a news channel..Sam you will be missed RIP🙏🏾

[@notmeyesyou2]

KTLA was my everyday morning show from the 90's until I moved from CA. I remember the whole crew, especially Sam and his infectious enthusiasm for LA's entertainment. He will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Sam.

[@elainemanion3739]

KTLA morning news was everything. Im so sad to hear this news about Sam. This was such good old scool news. I love all these folks, such real people.

[@jodirollins]

When I moved to LA in 1997, this was one of my news, cruise! I saw information about earthquakes, entertainment, Rodney, King, and everything in between. May he rest in peace - thank you all for what you’ve done to deliver the news over the years.

[@rt-a2005]

Thank you everybody at KTLA, SAM RIP!

[@CollettMozzi]

Im so heartbroken, I was born in raised in Southern California and Ktla was a part of my go to news gosh as long as i remember. Sam Ruben was such part of my daily watch. Wow! Just blown away. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Will miss u...R.i.p.😢

[@hayleybmiller2010]

I grew up in the Valley and moved out of state 20 years ago but kept up with news personalities. Sam was always so great. RIP Sam.

[@rarad.3793]

The black and white photo , that's the team I remember and LOVED!!! Never have I ever been able to find such a group like them of all the places I've lived

[@jackiedecoma4637]

It was nice to hear from the original crew. I would have liked to hear from Barbara Beck too.

[@jojospeechy4848]

I'm so glad they brought Carlos back. I would love to see Barbara Beck & a few others from the original "term". RIP Sam Rubin. I'm heartbroken 💔

[@dianadeller7579]

There is a huge void .. I mean huge! He was a super star!! He will be missed..😢

[@AmericaFirst069]

He will be replaced unfortunately by another hispanic guy.

[@dianadeller7579]

@@AmericaFirst069 .. that may be so but no one I mean no one could hold a candle to him! He was a legend n in our hearts he lives on...🧚🏾‍♀️🧚🏾‍♀️🧚🏾‍♀️✨✨✨🙏

[@jenshipley5157]

My condolences to the KTLA family and his immediate family. Sam was such a beautiful person and such an energetic person that loved his job and people. RIP Sam! Continue your beautiful work in heaven. Your smile and laughter will be missed. Lots of love from Arizona 🌵❤

[@pegedey1291]

I have loved y'all since 1991 when you started. When we had to move to Az to retire i cried not have ktla morning. Sam you informed us about the entertainment world and how to eat a cupcake! You were such a bright light. Hugs to everyone in his ohana. 💔

[@victorpayan5577]

My god cant believe it i am in my 50's i pretty much grew up watching ch.5 and it hard to think that hes gone it like having breakfast and someone pulls your plate from you and that it no more breakfast i did not know him personally but hey he was a part of my life too, blessing to his family at home.and at ch.5 keep trucking and we'll keep watching. R.I.P. Sam. Vic payan.

[@tangotang4734]

So shocking, so sudden , and so sad to hear Sam had passed 😭 Always love watching him on channel 5 back when I was in LA in 91’ 🙏🙏 I’m back in BKK, Thailand now and still watching Sam🙏🙏 RIP angel in heaven ♥️🙏

[@thecostumelady123]

Where are the ladies of the original crew?? Barbara Beck, Michelle Ruiz, Gayle Anderson, Jennifer York, Sharon Tay, Michaela Pereira, Lynette Romero, Christina Pascucci, Willa Sandmeyer??? Would love to have seen them again!

[@elainemanion3739]

Yes, I remember those names!

[@jamesg2609]

Don't forget Willa Sandmeyer😊

[@MCReher]

I used to watch the KTLA Morning News every morning when I got home from my job @ Mt SAC- Monday thru Friday between 7:30 & 8:30. It was one of my favorite shows to watch. Seeing all of those people on there really shows how time can change things. I no longer live in So-Cal and seeing those people sitting there really brings back memories of how things used to be. R.I.P. Sam, wherever you are.

[@darrenbartrop9666]

Condolences to Sam’s family, friends, and work colleagues from KTLA, from the UK 🇬🇧

[@hadamerryweather577]

So sad...Love this team. RIP Sam Rubin. Mark and Eric, glad you are still on air!

[@anneangels52]

Sending condolences from Scotland, Sam was a lovely man ❤

[@katecarney-linthicum8009]

Thank you for sharing your stories and your grief. We are family and the stories help honor Sam in the most authentic way.

[@TheShahofBaltimore]

Protect Christine Divine and Chris Blatchford at All Costs 😢 Feels like when Kobe and Nipsey Passed Away…

[@gregterrell1504]

An Icon of Southern California !! RIP Sam Rubin !!

[@Jomama91752]

RIP Sam. You will be missed. Grieving for his family and for the KTLA family. Many hearts are broken!! 💔💔

[@blairjr2570]

This was amazing to watch. I’m so glad KTLA did this.

[@artfulyama9071]

What a great life Sam had. Everyone feels the loss. May he RIP ❤❤❤

[@timgorsulowsky1106]

I love that tribute, God bless you all. He was my age, that is devastating. Prayers your way

[@williamgraff7593]

Do you guys remember that time when Sam ran out of the studio to do a live from the deli at the corner of Hollywood and vine! There was something so Steve Allen so exciting so spontaneous about it. The show had such energy and vitality and things like that let you know it was among Us in the neighborhood

[@brachiator1]

KTLA always tried to have a TV family feel. And it wasn't only on-air. The morning team participated in many community events. Sam Rubin was a key part of the team. It is really good to see how many people cared about him. Rest in peace, Sam.

[@diannehortonpong1388]

This was well done. This was the same KTLA crew that I watched from 1991-1999, when I lived in the Los Angeles area. This was such a shock to find out about Sam Rubin's passing in the overnight hours on Friday...condolences to Sam's family, friends & coworkers.....

[@ls-kk4pq]

I think the best part of watching this segment is the incredible amount of laughter as well as tears! RIP Sam Rubin. You are making someone laugh up in heaven let me tell you!

[@sylviacleary3224]

So sad to hear that Sam passed away. He brought such joy and enthusiasm to the news. He will be missed.

[@Hanzolebot]

I'm 34. I grew up watching this OG crew. Having them on my tv in the morning EVERY DAY. Sam was one of the reasons that I am so excited and knowledgeable about entertainment and movies. This was a shock and all I can say is that he is a legend and will be remembered as such. R.I.P. Sam

[@amiec.2150]

RIP Sam . We will miss your bubbly vibes and smiles...

[@Veronica-I]

Heartbreaking Sam will be missed tremendously. My condolences to the family. After watching KTLA 5 for over 20+ years, I will miss my mornings with Sam’s Entertainment News.

[@617883]

I'm an Og watcher along with all of them, R.I.P Sammy, I truly believe he is looking down on us with a big smile 1991/ 2024 😊❤

[@cyndykated358]

I was driving yesterday when NPR gave their condolences for Sam. I couldn’t believe it. I ran in with my groceries and my TV has been on since. Not too many people anymore touch so many peoples lives….he will be missed.❤

[@capricious6383]

I cried again, this is such a a loss for all that watched the morning show and all his antics. Such great times we as viewers shared with KtLA family. Condolences to his wife and children that must be heartbreaking for all the kids he fondly shared with us all. Love Sam, RIP, Mr. Entertainment!

[@user-bx8mw2qj2y]

We lived in LA 89-94 and no matter where we lived over the years ,I would see Sam on TV, smile, and watch whatever he was doing. He always made me miss LA and feel homesick. 🫶🙏 will miss you Sam.

[@1105pitbull]

I was driving when his passing came on the radio. So sad. His energy was infectious and unending. He will be missed for sure. What a loving tribute to their dear friend.

[@DeanRyanTV]

I Lost this KTLA Newscast - Thank You for the memories - Love All of you

[@nancyvonschimmelmann96]

One morning I came downstairs and instead of watching cartoons before school, they were watching the news. I thought, wow, they’re so grown up, watching the news! Then I started watching it myself, and I understood. 1991. The most entertaining news show ever. My daughter, now in her mid forties, called me this morning to ask if I’d heard about Sam. You all were a big part of our lives, and we grieve with you.

[@ErikFlores-mo3fs]

His heart was too big oh my lord he is dead

[@Littledove-mw1ed]

Back in the 90's, my husband would be grading papers (he taught Astronomy at CSUN and SMC) in the den, while l watched KTLA...inevitably, l'd throw my head back in a fit of joyous laughter😂😂😂...when my darling (late) husband would come happily down the hall to see what or who had made me laugh 😃 so hard...it was always Sam... After my husband passed in 1999, Sam continued to lift my broken heart ❤. After Covids l stopped watching news altogether...but for one station, and the 🤪 goofy, sweetest funniest man that kept bringing me back to KTLA❤❤ We can all be sure of one thing....Heavenly Angels 😇 are exploding with the joyous laughter that never failed to bring my precious hubby out of the den, to join me in the fun.. God Bless and God speed to all who love him...😂🎉❤

[@melinda7949]

What a beautiful tribute to Sam. Also therapeutic. Thank you for this and for sharing your stories with Sam. Well done 👍. Love and prayers ❤.

[@meanoguy540]

Rest in peace Sam. I would watch KTLA5 morning news every day with my mom growing up. She passed away 2 years ago and we would still watch it from her hospital room.

[@noramosqueda1268]

Sam will definitely be missed. I enjoyed watching him every morning. The exchange he had with the other colleagues, was so much fun to watch. You could feel he was truly a good person. He was genuine and was loved by those who watched KTLA. He was the best in his field. RIP Sam.

[@amadohernandez2471]

We going to missed sam Rubin, 🙏 and Carlos is good to see you back a list for a momen on chanel 5, i grow up with you guys.. I'll be 60 soon, i m from mexicali, but living in long beach ca, love you guys!! ❤ R.I.P SAM RUBIN you be missed....

[@sheryljohnson9552]

Lynette Romero needs to be there

[@WilliamBonney-gl2qf]

Barbara Beck should've been there

[@littleforrest8863]

So nice to see the old KTLA team back together again. What a touching tribute to the great Sam Rubin. There will never be another Sam, he was larger than live! He loved his job so much, and he loved his KTLA family. RIP sweet Sam, rest easy ❤

[@bobandmartipeck5199]

Just loved Sam so much. For years, I would love to listen to him and his opinion. He was always so respectful and happy. He truly added so much to Los Angeles! RIP, and thank you for being you.

[@ImA1032]

My favorite part of watching this is seeing everyone laughing through the tears at the fun memories they had of times spent with Sam. Like Carlos said, your coworkers are frequently like family. You tend to spend more time with them than you do with loved ones. RIP, Sam. Thank you for your years of keeping us informed & entertained! 😢😢

[@jeansteele7685]

RIP Sam Rubin. I am so happy to see the old crew together. When I think about Chargers, I always think of Carlos. Wish Barbara was there. 😢

[@AmericanBuying]

May his memory be a blessing

[@nailady2207]

Thanks guys, you walked me down memory lane….I started with you all and I remember when Eric was working up here in San Luis Obispo and then went to KTLA❤❤❤

[@bonsolfamilyyt3768]

KTLA is the channel that I first watched a day after Me and my family as an immigrant arrived in Long Beach, CA, United States in 2001. Sam Rubin thank you . Rest in Peace. Our condolences goes to the family. ❤🙏❤️🇵🇭🇺🇸