Barry Diller, a prominent figure in Hollywood for over fifty years, is widely recognized for his formidable presence in the industry. Known for his leadership at 20th Century Fox, Paramount, IAC, and Expedia, Diller has made headlines not only for his executive prowess but also for his competitive nature, exemplified by his contentious litigation with peers and friends. His formidable reputation was even noted by Oprah Winfrey, who admitted to feeling intimidated at their first dinner together.
However, in his newly released memoir, “Who Knew,” the 83-year-old media mogul reveals a more tender side of himself. He publicly comes out as gay while celebrating his deep love for his wife, the celebrated fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg. Diller describes her as “the miracle of my life,” sharing anecdotes of their marriage in 2001 and their close family ties. He candidly addresses his troubled upbringing, including a strained relationship with his parents and a brother battling addiction, adding depth to his narrative with moments of vulnerability.
Among the emotional highlights in the memoir is his heartfelt tribute to his late dog, Shannon, and her five clones, affectionately referred to by Diller as her “daughters.” His sentimental attachment to Shannon is evident as he recalls their first meeting during a trip to Ireland in 1999 when he found her as a stray. The bond they developed transformed Shannon from a lost dog into a cherished companion accompanying Diller on private jets.
After Shannon’s passing in 2014, Diller took the groundbreaking step of cloning his beloved pet, making him one of the early adopters of animal cloning technology even in a celebrity-rich landscape where others like Barbra Streisand and Simon Cowell have also shown interest in such services.
Interestingly, Diller shares that the personalities of his cloned dogs remain similar to Shannon, though with slight variations. He fondly took his first clone, Dina, back to Ireland, where she unfortunately met a tragic end while hiking in Costa Rica—a loss that Diller reflects on with bitterness.
In a humorous twist, when asked about future cloning endeavors, Diller jokingly entertains the idea of cloning his wife, though it’s clear that he cherishes their unique companionship.
This memoir not only unfolds Diller’s professional journey but also illustrates the personal relationships that have shaped his life, showcasing a man who, despite his tough exterior, possesses a heart filled with love and a poignant connection to the memories of his past.
Overall, Diller’s exploration of love, loss, and personal reinvention resonates with readers, offering a glimpse of hope and light amidst a celebrated, yet tumultuous, career in the spotlight.