Barry Diller Reveals Personal Side in New Memoir, Talks About Cloning Dogs

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Barry Diller, the influential media executive known for his commanding presence in Hollywood, has revealed a softer side in his new memoir, Who Knew. The book, published recently, reflects on his personal life and his long-standing relationship with his wife, designer Diane von Fürstenberg.

At 83, Diller shares his journey of self-discovery, including coming out as gay. He speaks fondly of von Fürstenberg, whom he married in 2001, calling her “the miracle of my life,” as well as her children and grandchildren, whom he regards as his family.

Diller, who has led major companies like 20th Century Fox, Paramount, IAC, and Expedia, has a storied career filled with high-profile lawsuits and heated moments. However, in his memoir, he opens up about the challenges of his upbringing, including distant parents and a troubled brother. He candidly describes emotional moments where he cried.

One of the most touching parts of the memoir is his connection with his late dog, Shannon. Diller, who refers to Shannon’s five clones as “daughters,” shares charming anecdotes about her. “They’re all little Irish girls,” he says affectionately.

Shannon was a Jack Russell terrier whom Diller found during a trip to Ireland in 1999. After pursuing her owner, he decided to take her home. “I scooped her up,” Diller recalls. Shannon accompanied him on a private jet to New York, marking the beginning of a journey from an abandoned pup to a pampered pet.

After Shannon’s passing in 2014, Diller engaged in a controversial cloning process, resulting in the birth of her clones. The first, named Dina, came to life under scientific procedures in South Korea. Diller describes the clones as having the “ethos” of Shannon, although with slightly different personalities.

Dina endured many adventures, traveling from Beverly Hills to a yacht in the Caribbean before her tragic end in Costa Rica, where she was attacked by a crocodile. Diller expressed regret towards the country, saying, “A country I’ll never return to.”

As a pioneer in animal cloning in Hollywood, Diller notes the curiosity surrounding his experience from other celebrities, including Barbra Streisand, who also cloned her dog. “We’ve given endless details to people about our cloning experience,” he states.

In a humorous twist, Diller reflects on the idea of cloning his wife. When asked if he would consider creating a copy of von Fürstenberg, Diller chuckled and replied, “Of course.”