Sam Rubin, a beloved entertainment reporter at KTLA in Los Angeles, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 64. Known for his engaging celebrity interviews, Rubin was a standout in his field. Just two days after his passing, Rubin's 16-year-old son, Colby, gave an emotional tribute live on air, touching hearts across the internet. Sitting in his father's chair, Colby shared a heartfelt eulogy about his father's profound influence on his life.
Image Source: Sam Rubin attends the GRAMMY Gift Lounge during the 65th GRAMMY Awards At Tom's Watch Bar on February 02, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
In a touching YouTube video, Colby joined his late father's colleagues to honor Rubin's legacy. After a heartfelt discussion, Colby was invited to look into the camera and share the letter he wrote for his dad.
Image Source: KTLA Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin at the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Behind The Scenes Day 2 at The Shrine Auditorium on January 19, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner)
With a slight pause, Colby began, "Hi, Dad. I wrote this under the desk in your cubicle where you used to catch me sleeping." He added, "Only you weren’t there when waking up this time. Dad, I can’t believe you’re gone. You're never going to pick me up from school again. We’ll never get to go biking. We will never argue about food. You won’t be at my wedding."
Image Source: Sam Rubin at Critics' Choice Real TV Awards, portraits by TAP The Artists Project, June 02, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage for The Artists Project )
Colby held back his tears and continued, "You were the kindest soul, you were the light in every room. I can’t imagine my life without you. You were part of my everything. On the day you died, I hope you heard me say that...You took me to every Scout Boy meeting, to every therapy session." Sharing an anecdote, the teen said, “I remember on a Boy Scout trip, I was the only kid in our group who didn’t have a kayak and partner and you were there for me," adding how his dad always supported him.
He then shared a screenshot of his conversation with his father after he received negative feedback for a performance during his school play. The chats showed Rubin telling Colby who wanted to back out, “Ignore the noise. You will get bad reviews for every show." The text eventually ended with an encouraging tone with the father saying, "You have excellent genes. You have every gift. Respect your talent."
Colby, in tears, read the final part of his eulogy: "You always knew what to say and... you encouraged me, and you loved me every day and built me up. I am completely who I am because of you...I had more of a father in 16 years than people have had their entire lives." Grateful, he added, “Dad, I love you. I am so lost without you. I’ll miss you every day. I hope you know how loved you are.”
After reading the letter, Colby took out a cupcake from his pocket and paid tribute to his late father by eating it. "For you, Dad," he said. Sam Rubin was famous for his cupcake-eating method and had never shied away from showing his audience the "best way" to eat a cupcake. Rubin's untimely death left an impact on renowned celebrities, as well. Guillermo Del Toro, Viola Davis, Tom Hanks and Ryan Reynolds among others offered their condolences on social media.
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