Barry Diller is a seminal figure in American media and entertainment, whose career spans from the mailroom of the William Morris Agency to the helm of major studios and internet conglomerates. After dropping out of UCLA, he entered the mailroom at William Morris, then moved to ABC where he became Vice President of Prime-Time Programming. There, he created the ABC Movie of the Week, pioneering the made-for-TV movie format and establishing a new programming staple.
Diller served as Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures from 1974 to 1984, overseeing blockbusters like Saturday Night Fever, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Terms of Endearment. He then moved to 20th Century Fox as Chairman and CEO (1984–1992), where he co-founded the Fox Broadcasting Company, breaking the dominance of the Big Three networks. Under his leadership, Fox launched hits such as The Simpsons and Married... with Children.
From 1995 to 2010, Diller was Chairman and CEO of IAC, building a portfolio of digital brands including Match.com, Ask.com, and Vimeo. In 2005 he added the role of Chairman and Senior Executive of Expedia Group, steering the online travel giant through a period of rapid growth. He became Chairman and Senior Executive of IAC in 2010, a position he holds alongside his Expedia role; the company was renamed People Inc. in 2025.
Diller also serves on the board of The Coca-Cola Company (since 2002) and has held directorships at MGM Resorts International and other organizations. Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1994, he remains an influential voice across media, technology, and the arts.
Career History
| Company | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| On Air Entertainment | Vice President of Prime-Time Programming | 1973-01-01 – 1974-01-01 |
| Cherokee Nation Entertainment | Chairman | 2010-01-01 – 2010-01-01 |
| MGM Resorts | Director | 2020-01-01 – 2024-01-01 |
| People Inc. | Chairman and Senior Executive | – present |