Barry Diller is set to release a memoir titled “Who Knew,” slated for publication on May 20, as announced by Simon & Schuster. The book promises to encapsulate the remarkable journey of Diller’s life, which spans from humble beginnings in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency to achieving immense wealth and influence in the entertainment industry.
In his memoir, Diller will detail his noteworthy contributions to film and television, having produced iconic films such as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Saturday Night Fever,” and playing a pivotal role in founding the Fox Broadcasting Company. Now at the age of 82, Diller expressed his enthusiasm for sharing his story, emphasizing the importance of honesty in his recounting: “I’ve had a history with telling stories and I thought mine was a good yarn if I could write it myself and tell it truthfully,” he stated. He hopes that readers will judge and appreciate his narrative.
The memoir will not only cover Diller’s professional accomplishments but will also delve into his personal life, including his marriage to renowned fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and his current role as chairman and CEO of IAC, the parent company that oversees various well-known brands such as Tinder and Expedia, as well as popular publications like People and Travel + Leisure.
Jonathan Karp, CEO of Simon & Schuster and the editor of the book, distinguished Diller’s memoir from typical business narratives, describing it as “a remarkably honest and entertaining account of his personal journey, an unconventional love story, and a fascinating tour through show business and digital media.” Karp highlighted the authenticity of Diller’s writing, noting that “readers know when an author is telling the truth,” and stated that the memoir is packed with insights relevant to both personal and professional lives.
Details regarding the financial aspect of Diller’s book deal remain undisclosed, but it is known that he was represented by Robert Barnett, a high-profile attorney whose client roster includes celebrities like Barbra Streisand and former President Bill Clinton. Interestingly, “Who Knew” first appeared on Amazon.com as affiliated with Alfred A. Knopf before being removed from the site. Barnett chose not to comment on the apparent switch in publishing companies.