Though much of the world knows her as Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife, Diane Plese is far more than a celebrity footnote. A successful optometrist, a devoted mother, and a woman of remarkable grace and privacy, she has lived a life that balances quiet professionalism with resilience amid public scrutiny. This is her story — from humble beginnings in Toronto to her years beside one of television’s most famous entrepreneurs, and her decision to step gracefully away from the spotlight.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Date of Birth / Age (2025) | Born circa 1959 – 66 years old |
| Birthplace | Parkdale, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian (of Croatian heritage) |
| Height / Appearance | Approx. 5’10” (178 cm); blonde hair, brown eyes |
| Education | Degree in Optometry (specific institution not publicly known) |
| Profession | Optometrist |
| Family | Ex-husband: Robert Herjavec (m. 1990 – div. 2016) Children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice Herjavec |
| Net Worth (est.) | ~US $25 million – $30 million |
| Known For | Career as an optometrist; marriage to businessman & Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec |
Early Life & Education
Born around 1959 in Toronto’s Parkdale neighborhood, Diane Plese grew up in a close-knit Croatian-Canadian family. Her parents were immigrants who valued discipline, humility, and education — qualities that shaped her character from an early age.
Friends and early acquaintances have described her as bright, calm, and studious — someone more drawn to books and purpose than to attention. These traits ultimately steered her toward a career in the medical sciences. After completing secondary school in Toronto, she pursued higher education in optometry, the branch of healthcare specializing in vision and eye health.
Her career path demanded precision, patience, and compassion — all values deeply embedded in her upbringing. By her late twenties, Diane had established herself as a professional optometrist in the Toronto area, respected by colleagues and beloved by patients for her empathetic demeanor and commitment to excellence.
Personal & Family Life
Meeting Robert Herjavec
Fate intervened in the late 1980s when Diane met Robert Herjavec, a young, ambitious entrepreneur of Croatian descent who was still years away from fame. As legend goes, Robert first met her during an eye appointment at her clinic — he was her patient. The encounter blossomed into friendship, then love.
The pair shared common values: strong work ethic, family loyalty, and deep cultural roots. In 1990, they married in a traditional Croatian church ceremony in Mississauga, surrounded by family and friends.
At that time, Robert’s business career was still in its infancy. He was building his first tech security company, BRAK Systems, from scratch — quite literally from the basement of his home. Diane, already practicing as an optometrist, provided emotional stability and financial consistency during those early years. Together, they built not only a home but a foundation of shared ambition.
Family Life
Over the next decade, the couple welcomed three children:
- Brendan Herjavec (born 1993)
- Skye Herjavec (born 1996)
- Caprice Herjavec (born 1998)
Diane focused on maintaining a nurturing, structured home life while Robert’s ventures grew. Friends of the family have often described her as the “quiet anchor” of the household — a devoted mother who balanced her clinic hours with the demands of raising children in a high-profile, high-energy family.
Despite their growing wealth, Diane kept life for her children grounded and normal. She emphasized academics, humility, and kindness — lessons rooted in her own upbringing.
Career Journey
Diane’s career as an optometrist is a testament to her dedication to helping others. For years, she ran a successful practice, earning a loyal patient base. In interviews, Robert himself once mentioned that Diane’s work ethic inspired him — she would treat patients with warmth and attentiveness, which influenced how he wanted to treat clients in business.
While Robert’s companies — BRAK Systems and later the Herjavec Group — grew into multimillion-dollar enterprises, Diane continued her quieter vocation, unconcerned with corporate glamour.
She was not known for chasing media appearances or public events. Instead, she maintained professionalism and independence. To those who knew her personally, she wasn’t “Robert’s wife who stayed home” — she was Dr. Diane Plese, a respected professional with her own career and identity.
Her ability to balance professional commitment with family responsibilities during her husband’s climb to international fame became one of her defining achievements.
Life Challenges & Turning Points
The Shift in Public Life
As Robert Herjavec became a public figure through Dragons’ Den and later Shark Tank, the family’s life inevitably changed. Fame brought wealth, opportunity, and attention — but also pressure. The couple’s contrasting personalities became more visible: Robert enjoyed the spotlight and high-energy social life, while Diane preferred privacy and stability.
Separation & Divorce
After nearly 24 years of marriage, Diane and Robert separated in July 2014. Reports of marital strain had surfaced earlier, but both initially kept details private. Diane filed for divorce in 2015, and by 2016, the separation was finalized.
The divorce was widely covered by entertainment and business media, due partly to Robert’s celebrity status. Allegations of infidelity — notably involving actress Danielle Vasinova — surfaced publicly, though Diane never commented. Her silence during a highly publicized breakup was seen by many as a mark of dignity and composure.
The Settlement
The court’s financial settlement drew attention because of its scale. Diane reportedly received around US $25 million, along with child support and spousal support payments reportedly totaling about US $125,000 per month at one point.
The division included multiple properties, such as their Caledon ski chalet and a Florida residence. Despite media fascination with the numbers, Diane never flaunted her wealth or engaged in interviews about the outcome. Her focus remained on her children and personal peace.
The divorce, though painful, became a defining turning point — marking the transition from a life shared with a public figure to one defined by independence and privacy.
Current Life & Career
Since the divorce, Diane Plese has largely withdrawn from public life. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who reinvent themselves through television or social media, she has chosen a path of quiet living.
She reportedly resides in or near Toronto, spending time with her adult children and maintaining a low profile. Whether she continues to practice optometry full-time is unclear — some reports suggest she scaled back or retired after her separation.
Notably, Diane has no official social media presence. She does not maintain public Instagram or Facebook accounts, and there are no verified profiles under her name. This near-total retreat from online visibility is consistent with her lifelong preference for privacy.
In an age where celebrity and personal branding dominate, her quiet existence speaks volumes about her values: discretion, dignity, and balance.
Net Worth & Financial Status
Estimating Diane’s current wealth is partly speculative, as she has never disclosed financial information. However, various court and media reports give a reasonable picture:
- Divorce Settlement: ~US $25 million (confirmed in multiple outlets)
- Spousal & Child Support: ~$125,000 / month during post-divorce years
- Property Holdings: Shares of luxury real estate in Canada and the U.S.
- Career Income: Earnings from decades as an optometrist
Her total net worth today is estimated between US $25 – 30 million, depending on asset valuations. Some tabloids inflate this figure to $100 million, but reputable sources suggest that’s exaggerated.
Regardless of the precise number, Diane enjoys long-term financial security. More importantly, she has used that stability to maintain independence and avoid the trappings of public excess.
Public Image & Media Presence
Public perception of Diane Plese can be summed up in two words: quiet strength.
Throughout her marriage, she was admired for her loyalty and support. During her divorce, she gained respect for her restraint and grace. Afterward, her continued privacy only reinforced her reputation as someone who values personal dignity above publicity.
Media portrayals have occasionally contrasted her reserved nature with Robert Herjavec’s exuberant personality. Where Robert thrives in public — on Shark Tank, at galas, on social media — Diane is almost invisible by design. To many observers, that contrast humanizes her story even more: she embodies the idea that true confidence doesn’t need attention.
Her public image today is one of poise, privacy, and emotional maturity. She’s rarely photographed, seldom quoted, and often described as the epitome of elegance in silence.
Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Details
- Their “Clinic Meet-Cute” – According to several accounts, Robert met Diane when he came to her for an eye exam. The appointment led to friendship, then romance — a “love at first sight” story with literal irony.
- Cultural Connection – Their wedding took place in a Croatian church in Mississauga, honoring both their heritages.
- Grounded Motherhood – Even when the family lived in multimillion-dollar homes, Diane insisted on household chores and academic discipline for the kids.
- Social-Media Absence – Unlike most celebrity-connected figures, Diane has no known public accounts — a rarity in the digital age.
- Respected by Peers – Former patients have occasionally shared online that she was “kind,” “warm,” and “down-to-earth,” despite her high-profile marriage.
Conclusion
The story of Diane Plese is not one of fame, but of grace. She represents the many people who quietly sustain extraordinary lives behind the scenes — professionals, spouses, and parents who don’t seek recognition but whose influence endures.
From her early years in a Croatian-Canadian household to her decades-long marriage to a tech mogul and television star, Diane’s journey has been defined by loyalty, intelligence, and quiet perseverance. Her ability to navigate life’s major transitions — love, success, divorce, and reinvention — without bitterness or spectacle sets her apart in a world hungry for drama.
Today, while Robert Herjavec continues to appear on television and social media, Diane remains content in the background — living proof that not every compelling story needs a spotlight. Her legacy is one of inner strength, family devotion, and the dignity of privacy.
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(FAQs)
1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist and the former wife of businessman and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec. She is known for her professional career in eye care and her long marriage to Herjavec.
2. When did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec get married and divorced?
They married in 1990, separated in 2014, and finalized their divorce in 2016 after nearly 25 years together.
3. Do they have children?
Yes. They share three children — Brendan, Skye, and Caprice Herjavec — all of whom are now adults pursuing their own careers.
4. What does Diane Plese do now?
She remains a trained optometrist but lives a very private life. It’s unclear whether she still practices professionally; she avoids media and public appearances.
5. What is Diane Plese’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around US $25 – 30 million, mainly from her divorce settlement and long-term assets.