Barry Diller Biography: Barry Charles Diller, born on February 2, 1942, is an American businessman who serves as the chairman and senior executive of IAC and Expedia Group. He co-founded the Fox Broadcasting Company alongside Rupert Murdoch and also established USA Broadcasting. In recognition of his contributions to television, Diller was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1994.
Barry Diller Biography
Barry Diller is the Chairman and Senior Executive of both IAC and Expedia Group. From 1995 until late 2010, he held the dual roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at IAC. His leadership in media and interactive businesses began in December 1992 with QVC, and he has since led several predecessor companies that eventually became part of IAC.
Barry Diller Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Barry Charles Diller
February 2, 1942 San Francisco, California, U.S.
|
---|---|
Education | University of California, Los Angeles (no degree) |
Occupation | Media executive |
Years active | 1964–present |
Political party | Democratic |
Board member of |
Chairman and Senior Executive, IAC Chairman and CEO, IAC Chairman and Senior Executive, Expedia Group Director, MGM Resorts International Director, The Coca-Cola Company Director, Tripadvisor Chairman and Senior Executive, Tripadvisor Director, Live Nation Entertainment Chairman, Live Nation Entertainment Chairman and CEO, 20th Century Fox (1984–1992) Chairman and CEO, Paramount Pictures |
Spouse |
Diane von Fürstenberg
(m. 2001)
|
Category | Business Man Biography |
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About Barry Diller
Barry Charles Diller is an American businessman. He is chairman and senior executive of IAC and Expedia Group and founded the Fox Broadcasting Company with Rupert Murdoch and USA Broadcasting. Diller was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1994.
Barry Diller Achievements
From October 1984 to April 1992, Diller was Chairman and CEO of Fox, Inc., where he played a key role in launching the Fox Broadcasting Company and oversaw the studio’s motion picture operations. Prior to his tenure at Fox, he spent a decade as Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures Corporation. In March 1983, he also became President of the newly established Entertainment and Communications Group at Paramount’s parent company, which included Simon & Schuster, Madison Square Garden Corporation, and SEGA Enterprises, Inc.
Barry Diller Wiki
- Born: 2 February 1942 (age 83 years), San Francisco, California, United States
- Net worth: 450 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Spouse: Diane von Furstenberg (m. 2001)
- Books: Who Knew
- Parents: Michael Diller, Reva Addison
- Education: Beverly Hills High School, University of California, Los Angeles
Early Life
Diller was born in San Francisco, California, to Michael Diller and Reva (née Addison), and grew up in Beverly Hills. In a 2012 profile, New York magazine described him as a “second-generation Austrian Jewish kid.”
Barry Diller at a Glance
- Category: Richest Business › CEOs
- Net Worth: 450 crores USD
- Birthdate: February 2, 1942 (83 years old)
- Birthplace: San Francisco
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Businessperson, Film Producer
- Nationality: American
William Morris Agency
Diller began his career working in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency. He took advantage of this role to study the company’s archives and learn about the entertainment industry. Later, he became an assistant to ABC’s West Coast head Elton Rule, who brought him to New York when promoted to network president in 1964.
Paramount Pictures
In 1974, Diller became Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. During his decade-long tenure, the studio released numerous hits including Laverne & Shirley, Cheers, Taxi, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and the first two Indiana Jones films.
InterActiveCorp (IAC) and Expedia
After leaving 20th Century Fox, Diller invested $25 million in QVC and attempted to acquire Paramount Communications, though Viacom ultimately won the bid. He left QVC in 1995 and acquired USA Network and Home Shopping Network assets through Silver King Broadcasting. These holdings evolved into InterActiveCorp (IAC), which included brands like HomeAdvisor, Citysearch, CollegeHumor, UrbanSpoon, and Tinder.
In 2005, Diller became Chairman of Expedia while still leading IAC. He stepped down as IAC CEO in 2010 to serve as senior executive. He joined Coca-Cola’s board in 2002 and MGM Resorts International’s board in 2020 after IAC made a nearly $1 billion investment. Diller invested in streaming service Aereo, which shut down in 2014 following a Supreme Court ruling against its business model.
Personal Life
Barry Diller married fashion icon Diane von Fürstenberg on February 2, 2001. He became stepfather to her children, Princess Tatiana and Prince Alexander von Fürstenberg. The couple first met in 1974 and maintained a long, complex relationship marked by romance, separation, and deep friendship before marrying. In 2025, Diller publicly revealed in his memoir Who Knew that he is gay. He discussed the challenges of living privately in the public eye and called his relationship with Diane “the miracle of my life.” Diane praised their bond as one of honesty, love, and mutual respect.
Philanthropy
Barry Diller has been a significant philanthropic force, especially in New York City. In 1999, he and Diane established the Diller–von Fürstenberg Family Foundation, which has donated hundreds of millions toward arts, education, social justice, and innovative public spaces.
They notably contributed $20 million to the High Line park and pledged $113 million for Little Island, a cutting-edge public park and performance venue on the Hudson River, which opened in 2021. The foundation supports institutions such as the Public Theater, the Museum of Modern Art, and various educational programs. Diller also supports political causes aligned with democratic values, hosting fundraisers and contributing to policy organizations.
Real Estate
Barry Diller and Diane von Fürstenberg own an extensive and diverse real estate portfolio:
- Beverly Hills, California: In February 2020, they purchased a 2,711-square-foot home adjacent to their longtime estate in Coldwater Canyon, expanding their holdings.
- Miami Beach, Florida: In April 2024, they acquired a 1.5-acre waterfront estate on North Bay Road for $45 million, adding a luxurious tropical retreat.
- New York City: Diane’s primary residence is a glass-and-steel penthouse atop her company’s headquarters in the Meatpacking District, designed by WORKac, featuring panoramic city views and Swarovski crystal accents.
- Connecticut: Their “Cloudwalk” estate, a 19th-century property on 100 acres in New Milford, serves as a peaceful country getaway.
- Paris, France: Diane owns an apartment on the Left Bank, reflecting her European roots and connection to the fashion capital.
What is Barry Diller’s Net Worth 2025?
Barry Diller is a prominent American businessman with a net worth estimated at 450 crores USD Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, he has become one of the most influential figures in media and entertainment. Diller first gained recognition in the 1970s while working at ABC, where he pioneered the made-for-TV movie format and helped popularize the miniseries, significantly changing television programming. His career soared further as chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Under his leadership, Paramount produced legendary films like Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, cementing its place as a Hollywood powerhouse.
FAQs
What is Barry Diller’s career?
Barry Diller has been a towering force in American entertainment and business for more than half a century. He helped reshape television at ABC, led Paramount during a golden era of filmmaking and launched the Fox network. Today, his digital empire spans travel, home services and online dating.
How did Barry Diller get rich?
In December 1996, Silver King Broadcasting acquired an 80% stake in HSN for $1.3 billion worth of stock, and afterwards changed its own name to HSN, Inc. Through his purchase of HSN, Diller would also eventually acquire Universal’s cable and domestic-television assets from the Bronfman family.
What companies has Barry Diller founded or led?
Barry Diller has founded and led several major companies throughout his career. He launched the Fox Broadcasting Company and later built a digital media empire through IAC (InterActiveCorp), which includes brands like Tinder, HomeAdvisor, and CollegeHumor. He also played a significant role in Expedia Group and was an early investor in QVC.
How did Barry Diller get started in the entertainment industry?
Barry Diller began his career in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency, where he took the initiative to study the company’s archives and learn about the business. He later became an assistant to ABC executive Elton Rule, which marked the start of his rapid rise in the television and film industry.
What are some of Barry Diller’s biggest successes in Hollywood?
While leading Paramount Pictures, Barry Diller oversaw the production of blockbuster films like Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. He also approved hit television shows like Cheers and Taxi, solidifying Paramount’s dominance in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
How is Barry Diller involved in philanthropy?
Barry Diller, alongside his wife Diane von Fürstenberg, co-founded the Diller–von Fürstenberg Family Foundation. The foundation has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to arts, education, and public spaces, including New York City’s High Line and Little Island park.
What is Barry Diller’s connection to Broadway?
Barry Diller has co-produced several Broadway productions with producer Scott Rudin, including To Kill a Mockingbird, Carousel, and West Side Story. His company, IAC Films, has also backed critically acclaimed films such as Lady Bird and Uncut Gems.