Early Life
Barry Charles Diller was born on February 2, 1942, in San Francisco, California. He was raised in Beverly Hills and attended Beverly Hills High School. Diller dropped out of the University of California, Los Angeles, after one semester.
Rise to Success
Diller's career began in 1961 at the William Morris Agency. In 1966, he joined ABC as a programming assistant, quickly rising to become a vice president. He gained acclaim for programming innovations, including the TV miniseries format and made-for-TV movies.
In 1974, Diller moved to Paramount Pictures, where he served as chairman and CEO for ten years. During his tenure, Paramount became the most successful Hollywood studio, producing hits such as *Saturday Night Fever* and *Raiders of the Lost Ark*. From 1984 to 1992, Diller was chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox, where he launched the Fox network, greenlighting shows such as *The Simpsons* and *Married... with Children*.
After leaving Fox, Diller acquired stakes in the QVC teleshopping network and later founded IAC/InterActiveCorp. IAC became a major player in the media and internet sectors, with over 150 brands. Diller is also chairman of online travel giant Expedia.
Key Business Strategies
Diller's strategies include:
- Identifying and investing in emerging digital media and internet commerce opportunities.
- Building and acquiring diverse digital brands across travel, dating, and entertainment sectors.
- Pioneering new programming formats and distribution methods in television.
Philanthropy
Through the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, Diller has contributed significantly to various causes, including arts, community building, education, human rights, and environmentalism. Notable donations include $20 million for the High Line park in Manhattan and $260 million towards Little Island, a public park in New York City. Diller and his wife have pledged to give away at least half of their wealth to philanthropy.