The philanthropist, somewhat of a legend in Hollywood as an ex-boss of Paramount and 20th Century Fox, overseeing pictures such as Saturday Night Fever and Indiana Jones, has made the contribution from his family foundation...

That's according to a statement by George Clooney, one of the non-profit's directors.

The 30 million USD legacy donation goes to a charity supporting entertainment workers in Southern California with healthcare, retirement living, childcare, and financial support amongst its range of services.

The donation from Barry Diller and family is part of a Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) campaign goal of $350 million that aims to sustain the charity into the foreseeable future...

The campaign that is being launched in the face of government cuts to many state programmes is being fronted by Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation and chairman of the non-profit foundation’s committee, as well as Ocean's Eleven star Clooney...

"Seems impossible to me to have had success in the entertainment industry and not strongly support the MPTF..." Mr Diller said...

The donation is from the Diller–von Furstenberg Family Foundation, which the mogul founded with his partner Diane von Furstenberg.

George Clooney confirmed the funds raised by the MPTF campaign will be used to support the range of charitable programmes and services provided by the charity... and in particular the campaign has an eye on the ageing baby boomer population...

It is estimated that over 75,000 industry members will be retiring over the next ten years...

"I was raised to believe that as a community we should be judged by how we take care of people who can't take care of themselves. This is our community..." said Clooney.

The Motion Picture and Television Fund was launched by Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin and DW Griffith amongst others who wanted to support those in their industry in need.

Harold Lloyd, Cecil B DeMille and Hal Roach were amongst those serving on the original board of trustees.

The 90-year old organisation is funded mainly via entertainment industry members as well as corporate donors...

Amongst its assets and services in the LA area the non-profit organisation currently has six outpatient health centres, a retirement community and a children's centre...