Who Knew

De: Barry Diller

Narrado por: Barry Diller

Barry Diller, one of America’s most successful businessmen, reveals himself here—his successes, failures, and struggles—with surprising candor and intimacy in a memoir rich in Hollywood lore and filled with business acumen.

Writing in his singular voice, Barry Diller delivers an astute business memoir, an unvarnished look at Hollywood, a primer on media, and a surprisingly frank coming-of-age story.

“I want to work in the mail room at William Morris.” So begins Diller’s show business life. Diller did not aspire to be an agent, nor was he a glove fit for William Morris, the legendary talent agency he describes as resembling a “Jewish Vatican.” But he was a good assistant and student and took it all in.

Before long, Diller was offered a job at ABC. His ascent was meteoric, launching ABC TV’s Movie of the Week at age twenty-seven, becoming CEO of Paramount Pictures at age thirty-two, and launching the Fox TV network at age forty-four. Along the way, Diller oversaw the production of classic films such as Saturday Night Fever, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Home Alone (a film he credits with saving Rupert Murdoch’s career) and hit TV shows such as The Simpsons, Married…with Children, and Cops. He programmed and developed by instinct—not by research or data.

Diller’s media savvy changed the course of American culture. His championing of Alex Haley’s Roots put long-form miniseries on the map. He was never cowed by the talent—actors, directors, and producers—and worked with them all. Indeed, throughout his career, Diller championed “creative conflict,” encouraging argument in every business he managed (“I’ve never thought decision-making should be peaceful,” he writes). Diller also recognized our digital future, founding IAC and growing it into a billion-dollar constellation of brands, including Match, Tinder, and Expedia.

Moving beyond business, Diller recounts his family life, personal struggles, and regrets, his joyful marriage to Diane von Furstenburg, and where he has found fulfillment.

Intimate, candid, and moving, Who Knew is a different kind of business memoir, one that holds nothing back.

©2025 Barry Diller (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Lives Changed

If you worked for Barry Diller, as I did as his pilot at Fox and afterwards, it was a job and responsibility that challenged you to become the very best version of yourself. You never wanted to disappoint Mr. Diller after he placed his trust and confidence in you. Many said he was a difficult boss. He only asked you to seek the same perfection for yourself that he expected of himself. He made me a better pilot by having extremely high expectations and that made me a better person. A lifetime of thanks to the bumble bee, yellow and black!

Truthful

How Barry described how his fears pushed his energy in new directions His love of truth his kindness and the scope of his experiences

Fantastic Book

First, I always appreciate it when the author performs the reading. I’ve watched Barry on CNBC for years and not really ever known everything he’s accomplished. It was great diving into the deals and the ins and outs of Hollywood life.

I identified with the Author.

Well documented experience of an amazing,on going, experience. Encouraging for the rest of us.

One of the best books on Hollywood

It can honestly take it's place besides Steven Bach's Final Cut (Studios are used as advertising for conglomerate stock)

Honestly written.

Quite refreshing in it's candor. Enjoyed it all the way through. Easy to stop and then continue.

The great book you didn’t know you were interested in

Like everything else he does, Barry Diller did a great job with this book.There is so much here you didn’t know you were interested in and his media business story is very generalizable to any business including business of life in general . I would never have looked for this book, so I’m glad audible suggested it to me. Terrific listen.

Who knew?

Always knew about Barry Diller but what a thoughtful romp through an amazing business and personal career. I loved the humility and honesty and reflection of this accounting. Bravo!

"All in the Family" was revolutionary television!

This is a magnificent biography compellingly read by the author. Passing through boardrooms of such huge entertainment/communications corporations was a thrilling and enticing journey. Thank you, Barry Diller.

The author reading his story

I loved gaining a better understanding of the timeline for TV, Film and internet even though I live most of it. As an architect I appreciate the connections to build process and the great project’s
My children are in the arts and there were plenty of resources he cited that we have enjoyed.