Who Knew Audiobook By Barry Diller cover art

Who Knew

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Who Knew

By: Barry Diller
Narrated by: Barry Diller
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About this listen

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
Biographies & Memoirs Business Professionals & Academics
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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!

Lives Changed

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

Truthful

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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.

Fantastic Book

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

I identified with the Author.

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

One of the best books on Hollywood

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

Honestly written.

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I love great business stories, unvarnished self evasive self assessments by the author. Good narration by the author. Because I grew up watching these movies and was somewhat familiar with the movies and producers actors and titians of industry it made that much more interesting.

Great story!

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A brilliant career and life. Barry was at the forefront of the last forty years in business. He reveals himself as the perfect mix of timely smarts, opportunistic risk taking and a thoughtful gentleman. A story wonderfully told. Plus, love wins in the end!

Bravo

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Sometimes you read something which is almost exactly as you expected. 2 things I noticed, seems more agitated announcing chapter numbers near the end, also leaves out controversy about poster for Heaven Can Wait because Warren Beatty appeared womanly in sweatsuit and the row with Joan Rivers, firing her, Edgar's suicide. His confidence derives from papering over rough spots. As for Diane, she seems a most exotic security blanket.

Hello Barry

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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!

Who knew?

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