As a fan of captivating memoirs and the lives of extraordinary individuals, I eagerly await Barry Diller’s upcoming book, “Who Knew.” The man who revolutionized television, movies, and digital media, and who remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry, is finally ready to share his story.
Barry Diller is (finally) ready to tell his story.
Who Knew, which is the title of the media mogul’s new memoir, will be published on May 20, 2025. It’s said to be delivered in Diller’s own singular voice, and will tackle both his personal and his professional worlds. Or as Jonathan Karp, Simon & Schuster’s CEO and the acquiring editor, puts it, “Barry Diller’s book is about much more than business. It is a remarkably honest and entertaining account of his personal journey, an unconventional love story and a fascinating tour through show business and digital media.”
He adds of a book that’s already managed to infiltrate the gossip pages: “Readers know when an author is telling the truth, and Who Knew is delightfully candid on every page, in addition to being full of insights about our lives at work.”
In the realm of entertainment, Diller’s professional background is widely recognized. His journey commenced in the mailroom of William Morris, where he soon climbed the ranks. At the tender age of 27, he pioneered the concept of the TV movie of the week. By the time he was 32, he had been appointed CEO of Paramount Pictures, and by 44, he launched Fox, the fourth national network. During this period, he oversaw the creation of prominent film and television projects such as “Saturday Night Fever”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “The Simpsons” and “Married… with Children”.
Significantly, he’s successfully kept his significance over the years by frequently giving candid interviews, often discussing the struggling condition of Hollywood and various topics, and taking daring actions, such as attempting to buy Paramount this past summer. Eventually, at the age of 82, with an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion by Forbes, he withdrew his bid, stating that he didn’t really want it. (He also admitted that his desire to acquire the studio was more about completing a personal journey rather than any other reason.)
In a private sense, Diller has been married to fashion icon Diane von Fürstenberg since 2001, despite continuous public speculation about the unique dynamics of their relationship. Interestingly, in 2013, she was asked about their marriage, which the interviewer mentioned generated much curiosity, including the fact that they were living apart at times. In response to this, von Fürstenberg stated, “I don’t comprehend what there is to understand. At different moments we were separated, at other times we were just friends, at other times we were lovers, at other times we are husband and wife – that’s our story.
Regarding the specifics of “Who Knew”, it’s worth noting that Simon & Schuster obtained global rights for the book, with Robert Barnett from Williams & Connolly serving as its representative. The cover showcases a photograph of Diller, skillfully captured by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. In her own words, Diller found it natural to pen a memoir at this point in time, stating, “I’ve been good at storytelling, and I believe my tale is an interesting one.” She further adds, “If I can write it honestly and share it, I welcome the opportunity for others to evaluate and hopefully appreciate it.
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2024-10-16 15:24