Movies

The 4 biggest revelations from media mogul Barry Diller’s new memoir

BBG News

Barry Diller has seen nearly every evolution of the entertainment business.

He was instrumental in introducing the weekly movie format on ABC, establishing the miniseries, adopting home video technology, and launching reality television with the creation of “Cops” at Fox.

Subsequently, following decades spent leading film studios, Diller shifted gears towards QVC, recognizing the potential for screens to serve as interactive dialogues between businesses and consumers. This insight eventually prompted investments in digital ventures such as Expedia, Match.com, and Tinder.

83-year-old Diller shares insights into his life and career choices in his upcoming memoir, “Who Knew,” which hits shelves on Tuesday. In this book, Diller discloses his homosexuality, discusses his long-term marriage with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and delves into his numerous professional relationships spanning decades with influential media figures such as Rupert Murdoch, Michael Eisner (who he mentored), Brian Roberts, and Sumner Redstone.

Diller attributes his career success to an attitude of “acting as if you’re already there” – a mindset that propelled him from the mailroom at talent agency William Morris to a rapid ascent at ABC, eventually landing him the role of CEO and chairman at Paramount Pictures at just 32 years old. He held this position for a decade before moving on to Fox. Apart from a brief attempt to reacquire Paramount Global last year, he’s mostly stayed out of the entertainment industry since resigning as chairman of Live Nation Entertainment in 2010.

Currently, he devotes several months to navigating his schooner, named Eos, accompanied by Von Furstenberg and one of their five cloned Jack Russell terriers. Simultaneously, he maintains his role as the chairperson of the digital media company, IAC.

In my journey, I found that the majority of it was about constructing, constantly constructing. Yet, the most delightful part wasn’t just the building, but the fortunate opportunity that allowed a remarkable family to shape me into someone who resembles a person.

Here are four takeaways from the memoir.

Movies

Prior to the publication of his memoir, Barry Diller has chosen to openly share some personal aspects of his life. Notably, it’s common knowledge among his friends that he identifies as gay, yet he cherishes his wife, Diane von Furstenberg.

Childhood trauma

Diller spent his childhood in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, with his family’s construction materials enterprise prospering due to the post-WWII expansion in Southern California’s housing market. However, his domestic environment was marked by turmoil.

He states that his parents split up multiple times, barely missing out on a divorce each time before he turned ten. At 13, his sibling became addicted to drugs, while he himself was dealing with sexual confusion and harboring secrets since he was 11.

On quiet Sundays, families opted for dinner at restaurants without much conversation, and they generally avoided socializing with distant family members.

A particularly distressing memory from his childhood occurred when Diller was sent to a sleepaway camp at age 7. Previously, he had been to this very camp at the age of 4, which was below the usual minimum age requirement; however, during that summer, he resided with the camp owners and felt comfortably integrated within their family structure. At age 7, Diller was grouped with the other campers instead, and he recounts feeling secluded and lonely.

When he phoned his mom asking her to rescue him right away, she promised she’d be there straight away. However, the entire day passed, and she didn’t make an appearance.

In simpler terms, “That night, he decided he couldn’t save his mother. As he returned to camp life, he put away his fears and vowed never to rely on others again, instead relying only on himself. That summer at the camp was when he sealed himself off emotionally.

Books

As a dedicated film enthusiast, let me share with you my personal account inspired by Mark Hoppus’s book, “Fahrenheit-182.” This memoir traces the heart-wrenching effects of his parents’ divorce, my deep affection for punk rock that saved me, my triumphant survival against cancer, and the tumultuous friendships and camaraderie within Blink 182.

A brash first meeting with Charles Bluhdorn

Back in 1966, I found myself a fan of the bustling business world, as Bluhdorn, the chief executive of Gulf+Western Industries, took over Paramount Pictures. One day, I, being an enthusiastic admirer of ABC’s programming, felt the urge to engage in talks with their programming department. However, Leonard Goldberg, the head honcho at the time, was indisposed. So, it was Diller, his trusted associate, who stepped up to meet Bluhdorn for the first time on my behalf.

In a dispute over a television distribution deal Bluhdorn struck with ABC to acquire over 100 Paramount movies, Diller, who was 23 at the time, assertively challenged the agreement, claiming many of the films were subpar. He adopted a stern tone and stood his ground, ultimately leading to a revised contract granting ABC rights to newer Paramount productions that surpassed the older ones, securing “The Godfather” and “Love Story” for the network.

Diller’s connection with Bluhdorn marked the commencement of a lengthy partnership that eventually culminated in his ascension to the position of Chairman at Paramount.

Diller wrote that he was likely admired because I seemed to be the unique individual in his vast career, across all industries at that time, who wasn’t merely echoing what he desired to hear.”

“Diller stated that he appreciated me since, amidst his expansive career and any other businesses during this period, I appeared to be the exceptional person who didn’t just parrot what he wanted to hear.

Hollywood Inc.

Following the cancellation of the Paramount sale, media tycoon Shari Redstone signaled openness to considering new bids for her family’s company, National Amusements Inc., which holds the majority voting shares in Paramount.

The reason he left Fox

After seven years at Fox, Diller approached Murdoch to ask to become a partner in the enterprise.

According to Diller’s account, Murdoch initially indicated he would consider the matter but subsequently returned after a few days and stated, “In essence, there’s just one rule in this organization. I’ve been managing fine with it, as have you. However, this is a family business, and you are not included.

After that incident, their bond gradually weakened until, in 1992, Diller stepped down as both the chairman and CEO. Since then, he claims to have not exchanged any harsh words with Rupert.

He passed on Pixar

Back in the 1990s’ early days, Steve Jobs presented a couple of “Toy Story” film clips to Diller. Following this private viewing, Jobs invited Diller to become part of the Pixar board, a company that he had just purchased.

According to Diller himself, he failed to appreciate the allure of “Toy Story” and had never held a fondness for animation. After parting ways with Fox, he was reluctant to make any commitments, ultimately declining Apple’s proposition from Steve Jobs.

“I completely underestimated the company and the man,” Diller writes. “What a dunce.”

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2025-05-20 13:31

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