In a candid look at his life and career, entertainment mogul Barry Diller prepares to reveal his personal journey in his upcoming memoir, “Who Knew.” This memoir, more than a decade in the making, aims to share untold stories and secrets from his illustrious career and personal life. As Diller, now 83, reflects on a life filled with significant achievements and struggles, he invites readers to contemplate the complexities of identity, success, and the decisions that shaped his path.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Early Years and Inner Struggles |
| 2) A Groundbreaking Career in Television |
| 3) Notable Relationships and Their Impact |
| 4) The Evolution of Diller’s Public Persona |
| 5) Reflections on Life and Legacy |
The Early Years and Inner Struggles
Born into a family that did not openly discuss homosexuality, Barry Diller experienced considerable internal conflict from a young age. It wasn’t until he was around eleven or twelve that he realized that he might be gay. He recounts his first experiences visiting the Beverly Hills Public Library to seek out books on homosexuality, only to find that they portrayed a bleak and terrifying picture. “I got on my bike and rode home thinking, I’m a condemned person,” he wrote. This early realization led him to suppress his feelings and maintain a façade of normalcy in his public life.
His first sexual encounter at the age of sixteen further complicated his understanding of himself. He admits to the confusion he felt, even telling himself, “Oh, I did that. I don’t have to do it again.” This secrecy became a hallmark of Diller’s early years, as he struggled to reconcile his identity with societal expectations. Until he began to write this memoir, he had adhered to a personal vow of silence regarding his sexuality—an experience he describes as enduring an “anvil on a wire” hanging over his head.
A Groundbreaking Career in Television
Diller’s career began at ABC, where he made significant contributions as a junior executive. He pioneered the TV movie of the week, later evolving the concept into the highly successful miniseries format, exemplified by the landmark series “Roots.” When it premiered in 1977, “Roots” drew an unprecedented viewership that surpassed 50 million people, capturing the collective attention of America. Diller reflects on the significance of appointment television, noting, “You really were having 30 to 40 to 50,000,000 people watching at one time,” highlighting the shared cultural experiences of that era.
His career trajectory took a notable turn when he became the head of Paramount Pictures at age 32. Reflecting on this achievement, he expressed disbelief, stating, “How in God’s name did that happen?” This tenure at Paramount saw Diller approving iconic films such as “Saturday Night Fever.” Nevertheless, the insecurities that plagued him during his formative years never fully receded, leading to an ongoing struggle to feel like he truly belonged in such an impactful role.
Notable Relationships and Their Impact
One of the most significant relationships in Diller’s life is with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. Interestingly, their connection did not flourish immediately upon their first meeting; he initially found her dismissive. However, a second encounter sparked an undeniable chemistry between them, leading to a passionate romance that shaped much of his adult life. Diller made it clear that their connection went beyond platonic affection, stating, “Yes, we’re lovers.”
Throughout their relationship, Diller learned that love and the complexities of his identity could coexist. He asserts that the intersection of sexual attraction to both men and women does not have to be mutually exclusive, offering insights on the nature of love and relationships. “If I know that the person cares about me, I’m not jealous of anything else,” he states, indicating a breadth of understanding shaped by his own experiences.
The Evolution of Diller’s Public Persona
While Diller achieved significant success, he remained haunted by his inability to share his personal truth. In his memoir, he describes that while he refrained from lying about his sexuality, he chose to keep it hidden—an admission he now views with a sense of clarity. “I think I was a coward,” Diller confesses, recognizing both the integrity of his decision and the burden it placed on his shoulders.
This theme of fear and secrecy extends beyond his sexuality. Diller discusses the general culture of fear regarding personal disclosures during the 60s and 70s, explaining that he was reluctant to risk revealing aspects of himself that might jeopardize his career. He acknowledges the terror surrounding the conversation about sexuality during that time, noting that many faced severe consequences for being open about their identities. His decisions were informed by both a desire for self-preservation and an innate understanding of the risks involved in public life.
Reflections on Life and Legacy
As he nears the release of his memoir, Diller’s focus is on sharing stories that bring pleasure to people. He and von Furstenberg have also contributed significantly to community projects such as the High Line, reflecting their commitment to enhancing urban spaces. “It doesn’t cure cancer…but it brings pleasure to people,” he remarks about their contributions, emphasizing the importance of joy over grandiosity in legacy building.
In contemplating his life and career, Diller expresses gratitude for his professional success, attributing much of it to luck. However, he acknowledges that with success comes the challenge of continued engagement: “What are you going to do with it?” He considers this question even more pressing as he reflects on the trajectory of his personal life and his enduring relationship with von Furstenberg, who he describes as the “bedrock” of his life. Together, they have forged a partnership that transcends the professional and personal realms, enriching each aspect of their lives.
Key Points
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Barry Diller discusses his early struggles with identity and sexuality. |
| 2 | Diller credits his groundbreaking work in television and film as pivotal to his career. |
| 3 | His relationship with Diane von Furstenberg significantly influenced his life and career. |
| 4 | Diller reflects on the public perception of his life and the secrecy surrounding his sexuality. |
| 5 | He focuses on sharing stories in his memoir that emphasize pleasure and enjoyment. |
Summary
Barry Diller’s upcoming memoir, “Who Knew,” promises to delve into the complexities of his life as a successful businessman and his struggles with identity and secrecy. By reflecting on his relationships, achievements, and personal truths, Diller aims to offer readers not only the insights of a storied career but also the lessons learned from a lifetime of navigating public and private spheres. As he moves into this new chapter of open expression, Diller’s story continues to resonate with the ongoing dialogues surrounding identity, love, and authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the main theme of Barry Diller’s memoir?
The primary theme of Barry Diller’s memoir centers around his personal struggles with identity and sexuality, along with his notable achievements in the television and film industries.
Question: How did Diller contribute to television history?
As a pioneer at ABC, Diller introduced the television movie of the week and the miniseries format, particularly through the groundbreaking series “Roots.”
Question: What significance does Diller’s relationship with Diane von Furstenberg hold?
Diane von Furstenberg is described by Diller as the “bedrock” of his life, signifying the emotional and supporting role she plays in both his personal and professional endeavors.
