1. Oral History Archive
  2. Larry Namer

Larry Namer

Coney Island native Larry Namer founded the E! Entertainment cable network and sold it for $3 billion.

Interviewer:
Charles Denson
Interviewee:
Larry Namer

Languages

English

Interview Highlight Bookmarks

  • Born in Coney Island
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  • Coney Island was a little village."
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  • Playing football at Lincoln High School
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  • Working in Coney Island from the age of 12
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  • Father grew up on West 16th Street, fought in World War II
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  • Kingsoborough, Brooklyn College, married high school sweetheart
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  • Early cable TV
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  • Coney Island success stories
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  • Steeplechase Media Company and Warner Bros lawsuit over the face
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  • Coney Island melting pot leads to business success
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  • The "Y" over Jean's Bar on Mermaid Avenue
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  • Working on the Magic Carpet ride on the Bowery
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  • Favorite ride: the Wonder Wheel
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  • Returning to Coney Island for Nathan's and Totonno's!
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    Billionaire media mogul Larry Namer is a Coney Island success story.

    Namer is a visionary who grew up in Coney Island and went on to found the groundbreaking E! Entertainment cable network, a media powerhouse that he later sold for $3 billion. Today he is Chairman and CEO of LJN Media, a multinational entertainment company that spans the globe. 

    In 2025 Namer wrote a book called Offscript: Recipies for Success. The book details his life and is  part memoir, part cookbook. He also shares personal recipes, many inspired by the Coney Island restaurants of his youth. Included are his versions of Matzo Ball soup, gazpaco, egg rolls, and baked clams. He also shares memories of Totonnos, the Magic Carpet Ride, Steeplechase Park, Carolina’s, and his favorite ride: The Wonder Wheel.

    In this oral history Namer describes how growing up in Coney’s West End influenced his worldview and led to his success in business.