Diane Plese is more than just a name attached to a famous television investor. As the first wife of Robert Herjavec, a celebrated entrepreneur and Shark Tank personality, she played a pivotal role during the years when his career was taking shape. Despite her connection to a high-profile figure, Diane has deliberately maintained a private and professional life. This article explores her early years, education, marriage, family journey, divorce, and what is known about her life today—offering insights rarely gathered in one place.
Quick Information Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Year of Birth | ~1959 |
| Place of Birth | Parkdale, Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Optometrist |
| Marriage to Robert Herjavec | 1990–2015 (separated March 2015; divorce finalized ~2016) |
| How They Met | Robert visited Diane’s optometry clinic in 1988 |
| Children with Robert | Brendan (1993), Skye (1996), Caprice (1998) |
| Divorce Settlement | Approx. US$25 million plus spousal support (~US$125,000/month) |
| Known For | Former spouse of entrepreneur/TV personality Robert Herjavec |
| Current Life | Private; continues work as an optometrist in Canada |
| Robert’s Other Children | Twins Haven Mae & Hudson Robert (with second wife Kym Johnson) |
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1. Early Life and Family Roots
Born around 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Diane Plese grew up in a close-knit family of Croatian descent. Her parents immigrated to Canada seeking better opportunities, instilling in Diane the values of discipline, education, and humility. Childhood acquaintances remember her as intelligent and determined, qualities that later shaped her career and the way she approached family life.
2. Education and Optometry Career
Diane’s passion for science led her to study biological sciences and later train as an optometrist. By the early 1980s she had obtained her professional license and opened a clinic in the Toronto area. Patients described her as meticulous and compassionate, qualities that would later attract Robert Herjavec not only as a patient but eventually as a life partner.
3. Meeting Robert Herjavec
The couple’s love story began in 1988 when Robert, then an ambitious young entrepreneur, visited Diane’s optometry clinic for an eye appointment. Their professional encounter soon evolved into a personal connection. After dating for about two years, Diane and Robert married in 1990 at a Croatian church in Mississauga, honoring their shared heritage.
4. Building a Family
Diane and Robert welcomed three children—Brendan (born 1993), Skye (born 1996), and Caprice (born 1998). They raised their family in upscale Toronto neighborhoods, balancing Robert’s demanding business ventures with a stable home life. Diane maintained her optometry career but focused heavily on nurturing their children’s education and values.
5. Supporting Robert’s Rising Career
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Robert’s career soared as he founded and sold BRAK Systems and later established The Herjavec Group. Diane largely stayed out of the spotlight, rarely granting interviews or making public appearances. Those close to the family note that she provided a steadying influence, ensuring that their children enjoyed as normal a life as possible despite their father’s increasing fame.
6. Signs of Strain
After more than two decades of marriage, tensions surfaced. By the early 2010s, the couple was reportedly growing apart. Media outlets later reported Robert’s extramarital affair around 2013–2014 as a key factor in their separation, though neither Diane nor Robert has spoken in detail about the private issues that led to the breakdown.
7. Separation and Legal Proceedings
The couple separated in March 2015 after nearly 25 years together. Divorce proceedings were finalized around 2016. Court documents revealed a significant settlement: Diane received approximately US$25 million in assets along with ongoing spousal support of about US$125,000 per month. Properties including a Florida home, a ski chalet, and other investments were divided as part of the settlement.
8. Emotional Fallout
Robert has publicly admitted that the divorce deeply affected him, describing periods of depression and even suicidal thoughts. He also revealed that his relationship with their children was strained, with limited communication for a time. Diane, in contrast, maintained silence and chose to protect her children’s privacy, demonstrating remarkable composure during a turbulent period.
9. Life After Divorce
Since the divorce, Diane has remained largely out of public view. She reportedly continues her work as an optometrist in Canada and has not remarried. Friends describe her as focused on her children and content to lead a quieter, more private life away from media attention.
10. The Children’s Paths
All three children have pursued higher education and professional careers:
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Brendan is involved in business strategy and technology.
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Skye has pursued management and entrepreneurial opportunities.
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Caprice is active in consulting and executive roles.
Their achievements reflect Diane’s emphasis on education and independence.
11. Media Portrayal and Privacy
Although the media often identifies Diane solely as Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife, those who know her describe her as a strong, self-made professional. Her refusal to engage with tabloids or social media has protected her family from unnecessary scrutiny and kept the public focus on Robert’s business ventures rather than their private lives.
12. Financial and Legal Insights
The divorce highlighted complex financial considerations. Equalization of property, spousal support, and business valuations were all factors in determining the final settlement. Despite Robert’s substantial wealth from television and technology investments, Diane’s contributions as a long-time spouse and mother were recognized by the court’s decision.
13. Diane Plese’s Legacy
Diane Plese’s story is ultimately one of quiet resilience. She supported a husband who became a global business celebrity, raised three accomplished children, and navigated a high-stakes divorce with dignity. Today, her life serves as an example that personal strength and privacy can prevail even when connected to fame.
Conclusion
Diane Plese remains an inspiring figure of grace and independence. Her journey—from a Canadian optometrist to the wife of a tech magnate and back to a private professional life—underscores the power of resilience and self-identity. While Robert Herjavec continues to thrive in the public eye, Diane’s steadfast commitment to privacy and family reminds us that true success is not always measured in headlines but in the quiet strength of living life on one’s own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist best known as the first wife of entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec.
2. How did Diane meet Robert Herjavec?
They met in 1988 when Robert visited her optometry clinic for an eye appointment.
3. When did they marry and divorce?
The couple married in 1990 and separated in March 2015. Their divorce was finalized around 2016.
4. How many children do they have?
They share three children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice.
5. What was included in the divorce settlement?
Diane received about US$25 million in assets and monthly spousal support of roughly US$125,000, plus property divisions.
6. What does Diane Plese do now?
She continues to work privately as an optometrist in Canada and avoids public attention.
7. Did the divorce affect Robert Herjavec’s relationship with their children?
Yes. Robert has spoken about a temporary estrangement from the children following the separation, which caused him significant distress.
8. What is Diane Plese’s estimated net worth?
Including the divorce settlement and her own earnings, estimates place her net worth at around US$100 million.
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