History of David Ellison in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

David Ellison is an American film producer and media executive. He is the CEO and chairman of Paramount Skydance since August 2025, after merging Skydance Media, which he founded in 2006, with Paramount Global. Ellison is the son of Oracle Corporation co-founder Larry Ellison. He previously worked as an actor before establishing himself in the film production industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 9, 1983: David Ellison's birth

On January 9, 1983, David Ferris Ellison was born. He is the son of Oracle Corporation co-founder Larry Ellison.

2003: Performance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

In 2003, at the age of 20, David Ellison was selected to perform as part of Sean D. Tucker's "Stars of Tomorrow" aerobatic team at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

2005: Dropping out of film school

In 2005, David Ellison dropped out of film school at the University of Southern California to fund the movie Flyboys.

2006: Founding of Skydance Media

In 2006, David Ellison founded Skydance Media, a film and television production company.

2006: CEO of Skydance

In 2006, David Ellison started serving as CEO of Skydance.

2010: Named to Variety's Dealmaker List

In 2010, David Ellison was named to Variety's Dealmaker list.

October 1, 2011: Marriage to Sandra Lynn Modic

On October 1, 2011, David Ellison married Sandra Lynn Modic, an actress and singer, in Palm Springs, California.

2011: Forbes 30 Under 30 list

In 2011, David Ellison was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

2013: Launch of Skydance Television division

In 2013, Skydance Media expanded with the launch of its television division.

2014: Launch of the LANAI Collection

In 2014, David Ellison launched a new line of men's clothing called the "LANAI Collection."

2015: Production of Terminator Genisys and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation

In 2015, David Ellison produced the films Terminator Genisys and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.

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2017: Launch of Skydance Animation

In 2017, David Ellison helped launch Skydance Animation in partnership with Spain's Ilion Animation Studios.

2017: Production of Life

In 2017, David Ellison produced the film Life.

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2019: Hiring of John Lasseter

In 2019, David Ellison hired John Lasseter, the former Pixar CCO, to run Skydance Animation.

2021: Hosting Benjamin Netanyahu

In 2021, Larry Ellison hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his Hawaiian island.

2022: Production of Top Gun: Maverick

In 2022, David Ellison produced the film Top Gun: Maverick, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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January 2024: Interest in merging Skydance with Paramount

In January 2024, it was reported that David Ellison was interested in merging Skydance Media with Paramount Global.

August 7, 2025: Formation of Paramount Skydance Corporation

On August 7, 2025, the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global was completed, forming Paramount Skydance Corporation, with David Ellison serving as Chairman and CEO.

August 2025: Appointment as CEO of Paramount Skydance

In August 2025, David Ellison became the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Paramount Skydance after Skydance Media merged with Paramount Global.

September 2025: Preparation for Warner Bros. Discovery bid

In September 2025, shortly after the formation of Paramount Skydance, David Ellison began preparing a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

December 2025: Assurances to President Trump regarding CNN

In December 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that David Ellison had given assurances to President Donald Trump that if Paramount were to buy WBD, he would make major changes to CNN.

2025: End of CEO term

In 2025, David Ellison ended his term as CEO of Skydance.

2025: Acquisition of Paramount Global and subsequent media moves

In 2025, under David Ellison's leadership, Skydance acquired Paramount Global. Following the acquisition, Ellison appointed Bari Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News and acquired her newsletter The Free Press. Ellison then pursued a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which ultimately led to a merger agreement with Netflix before Paramount outbid Netflix, leading to an agreement between Paramount and WBD. Ellison remains as Chairman and CEO of the combined company.

February 2026: Merger agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery

In February 2026, after David Ellison raised his bid, WBD concluded that it was a superior proposal to the Netflix deal and signed a definitive merger agreement with Paramount. Ellison will continue as Chairman and CEO of the combined company.