Early Life
Barry Diller was born on February 2, 1942, in San Francisco, California. He was raised in Beverly Hills. He started his career in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency, absorbing industry knowledge by reading archives. He is a UCLA dropout.
Rise to Success
Diller's career began in the television industry at ABC, rising to Vice President of Development in 1965. He gained acclaim for his successful programming innovations, including made-for-TV movies. In 1974, he became the Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, leading the studio to become a Hollywood success with hits such as "Cheers," "Taxi," "Grease," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". From 1984 to 1992, he was the Chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox, where he created the Fox network, greenlighting shows like "The Simpsons" and "Married... with Children".
Key Business Strategies
After leaving Fox, Diller acquired a stake in QVC and later founded IAC (InterActiveCorp), a company that has incubated and spun off various successful businesses. IAC's portfolio includes companies such as Expedia, Match Group, and Vimeo. Diller's strategy has revolved around identifying new opportunities in the media and internet sectors, acquiring and developing businesses, and adapting to the changing media landscape. He is known for his ability to spot trends and make strategic investments in emerging markets.
Philanthropy
Diller, along with his wife, Diane von Fürstenberg, founded the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation. The foundation supports various causes, including community building, education, human rights, the arts, healthcare, and environmentalism. They have committed to The Giving Pledge, promising to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropy. Notable philanthropic initiatives include donations to the High Line park in Manhattan and Little Island, a public park and performance space in New York City.
