Barry Diller Worked His Way Up From the Mail Room

The transcript details a personal journey from a brief stint at UCLA to a career in entertainment. The speaker discusses their laissez-faire parental support, initial interest in entertainment, and starting work in the mailroom at William Morris. They describe how networking and serendipity led to a pivotal career move to ABC, where they quickly advanced to a significant role in programming.

What was the narrator's parents' reaction to them dropping out of UCLA?

• They were very upset and disappointed.

• They were supportive and had a laissez-faire attitude.

• They insisted the narrator return to school.

• They cut off financial support.

What was the narrator's initial job in the entertainment industry?

• An agent at William Morris.

• A television producer.

• A mailroom employee at William Morris.

• An assistant at ABC.

How did the narrator approach their time in the mailroom differently from others?

• By focusing on networking and making contacts.

• By reading extensively and learning about the industry.

• By avoiding all social interactions.

• By trying to become an agent.

Who was the ABC executive that offered the narrator an opportunity?

• Danny Thomas

• Leonard Goldberg

• The czar of ABC programming

• William Morris

What unexpected event helped the narrator advance at ABC?

• A sudden promotion of their friend.

• The firing of the head of programming.

• A new job offer from William Morris.

• A chance meeting with a famous actor.