Sophia Hart
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist who gained recognition not only for her medical profession but also as the former wife of businessman and TV personality Robert Herjavec, a star on Shark Tank. Known for her grace, intelligence, and private lifestyle, she has built her own legacy outside of her marriage to one of the most successful entrepreneurs in North America. Despite being in the spotlight due to her high-profile relationship, Diane has consistently maintained a reserved and professional approach to life. Her story reflects the journey of a dedicated healthcare professional, a devoted mother, and a woman who values privacy even when surrounded by media attention.
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1959 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 66 years |
| Birthplace | Parkdale, Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian (of Croatian descent) |
| Profession | Optometrist (Doctor of Optometry) |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Robert Herjavec, Canadian businessman & Shark Tank star |
| Spouse | Robert Herjavec (m. 1990 – div. 2016) |
| Children | Skye Herjavec, Caprice Herjavec, Brendan Herjavec |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Studied Optometry (specific institution not publicly available) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $25 million (post-divorce settlement) |
| Current Residence | Canada |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Languages | English, Croatian |
| Famous For | Being Robert Herjavec’s first wife & a respected Canadian optometrist |
Early Life & Background
Childhood in Toronto, Canada
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada, to Croatian immigrant parents. Growing up in Toronto, she was exposed to a multicultural environment that shaped her worldview. From an early age, Diane displayed academic curiosity and a deep interest in healthcare, which eventually led her to pursue medicine. Her upbringing in a hardworking immigrant household instilled values of discipline, humility, and perseverance. Unlike many individuals who rise to fame due to their associations, Diane’s foundation was built on her own achievements. This strong background helped her maintain independence and balance during her later years in the public eye.
Family Roots and Croatian Heritage
The Plese family carried strong Croatian roots, and Diane was raised with cultural traditions that emphasized family, faith, and resilience. Growing up bilingual allowed her to connect with her community in Toronto’s Croatian-Canadian neighborhoods. Her cultural background not only shaped her personal values but also influenced how she raised her children. Diane’s pride in her heritage has remained a constant throughout her life, even as she became associated with the glamorous lifestyle of her husband’s entrepreneurial success. Her Croatian background gave her a strong sense of identity, which became essential when navigating challenges in her personal and professional journey.
Education and Early Academic Years
Education played a central role in Diane’s upbringing. She excelled academically and showed a strong aptitude for science, which naturally directed her toward healthcare. Diane pursued higher education in medicine, specializing in optometry, a field that allowed her to combine science with patient care. Her dedication to her studies reflected her disciplined nature and passion for helping others. By the time she completed her education, Diane had established herself as a qualified professional ready to make a meaningful impact in her field. These academic achievements formed the foundation for her career and personal independence, long before she met Robert Herjavec.
Career as an Optometrist
Choosing a Medical Path
Diane’s decision to become an optometrist was driven by her love for healthcare and her desire to improve people’s quality of life. Optometry appealed to her because it allowed for close interaction with patients while applying technical and scientific expertise. She viewed the profession as both rewarding and practical, giving her stability and independence. In an era when many women faced barriers in professional fields, Diane pursued her career with determination. Her choice also symbolized her commitment to building a future based on her own merit, which later played a vital role in maintaining her individuality during her marriage to a high-profile businessman.
Building a Professional Practice in Canada
After completing her studies, Diane Plese established her medical practice as an optometrist in Toronto. She quickly gained a reputation for being thorough, compassionate, and skilled. Patients appreciated her professionalism and warm demeanor, which made her a trusted healthcare provider in her community. While her practice was not in the media spotlight, Diane was respected in medical circles and recognized as someone deeply committed to her work. Her medical career provided her with financial independence and professional identity, separate from her husband’s fame. This strong foundation gave her confidence and stability throughout the highs and lows of her personal life.
Diane Plese’s Reputation as an Eye Doctor
Over the years, Diane developed a reputation as a dedicated eye doctor, well-regarded by both her peers and patients. She was known for offering personalized care, focusing not only on vision correction but also on overall eye health. Unlike many individuals who gain attention only through associations, Diane’s credibility stemmed from her consistent professionalism. Even after her marriage ended, she retained the respect of her patients and community. This reputation demonstrates her commitment to healthcare and her resilience in maintaining a professional career despite the distractions of being connected to a celebrity entrepreneur.
Personal Life & Marriage
Meeting Robert Herjavec
Diane Plese first met Robert Herjavec when he visited her optometry clinic as a patient. Their connection was immediate, and their relationship blossomed quickly. Diane’s intelligence, warmth, and grounded personality attracted Robert, who was in the early stages of his career at the time. Their meeting highlights how chance encounters can change the course of life, eventually leading Diane into a high-profile world of entrepreneurship and television. Despite their very different career paths, the couple shared strong values, which formed the foundation of their long relationship.
The Wedding and Early Years Together
In 1990, Diane married Robert Herjavec in a private ceremony. At the time, Robert was still building his business empire, and Diane stood by him through both challenges and successes. Their marriage represented a partnership based on mutual respect and support. Together, they built a family and balanced their professional lives, with Robert focusing on business ventures and Diane continuing her medical career. The early years of their marriage were filled with shared ambitions and family growth, marking a significant chapter in Diane’s life.
Balancing Family and Career
As both a professional and a mother, Diane successfully balanced her career in healthcare with her responsibilities at home. She prioritized her children while maintaining her optometry practice, proving her ability to manage multiple roles effectively. Diane’s balance between work and family contributed to the stability of the Herjavec household during the 1990s and early 2000s. She exemplified the modern professional woman—dedicated to her career while nurturing her family. This balance also reflected her determination to maintain independence and identity within her marriage to a growing public figure.
Family Life
Becoming a Mother
One of the most fulfilling roles for Diane Plese was becoming a mother. She and Robert welcomed three children: Skye Herjavec, Caprice Herjavec, and Brendan Herjavec. Diane dedicated herself to raising them in a supportive and nurturing environment. Despite Robert’s growing fame and demanding career, Diane prioritized stability for her children. Her Croatian heritage influenced her parenting style, emphasizing discipline, education, and strong family values. She remained closely involved in her children’s daily lives, ensuring they had a normal upbringing despite their father’s celebrity status. Her identity as a mother became central to her life, even after her marriage ended.
Parenting Approach and Values
Diane’s parenting style was grounded in structure, warmth, and independence. She encouraged her children to pursue education and instilled in them a sense of responsibility. For Diane, balancing tradition with modern opportunities was key. She ensured her kids remained grounded, despite the wealth and fame surrounding their father. Today, her children have grown into independent individuals who honor both their parents’ contributions. Diane’s influence remains evident in their choices, whether in business, academics, or personal life. Her dedication as a mother reflects her deep commitment to family and her ability to prioritize what mattered most.
Relationship with Her Children Today
Even after her divorce, Diane has maintained a close relationship with Skye, Caprice, and Brendan. Her children often express admiration for her strength, resilience, and constant support. While Robert’s second marriage to Kym Johnson, the professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars, attracted media attention, Diane kept her focus on family. Her ability to maintain a loving bond with her children highlights her success as a parent. Today, Diane continues to play an active role in their lives, celebrating their milestones and providing guidance whenever needed. Family remains her top priority.
Divorce from Robert Herjavec
The Separation in 2014
After nearly 25 years of marriage, Diane and Robert separated in 2014, shocking fans and the media. Their split was unexpected, as they had long been seen as a stable couple. While the details remained private, reports suggested emotional distance had grown between them. For Diane, the separation marked a turning point—transitioning from a shared life in the public spotlight to rediscovering her independence. Despite the challenges, she handled the separation with dignity and kept her focus on family and personal growth.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement
Following their separation, Diane and Robert finalized their divorce in 2016. Legal proceedings revealed the substantial wealth accumulated during their marriage. Reports indicated that Diane received a settlement of approximately $25 million, reflecting her long-standing role as Robert’s partner during his rise to success. The financial settlement ensured her continued stability and allowed her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle post-divorce. While the monetary aspects drew media attention, Diane never flaunted her wealth. Instead, she remained grounded and committed to a private, professional life.
Life After Divorce
Post-divorce, Diane Plese chose to stay out of the media spotlight. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, she did not pursue fame or public ventures. Instead, she focused on her career, family, and personal interests. Diane remained in Canada, where she continued to practice optometry and lead a private life. Her decision to maintain independence reflects her resilience and desire to shape her future without relying on media attention. For Diane, the divorce was not an end but a new chapter filled with self-discovery and renewed purpose.
Life After Divorce
Maintaining a Private Lifestyle
Diane has always valued privacy, and this became even more evident after her divorce. She avoided interviews, public controversies, or unnecessary attention. Unlike Robert, who embraced the spotlight through Shark Tank and other ventures, Diane kept her life low-profile. Her choice demonstrates her preference for normalcy over fame. This lifestyle allowed her to continue her professional work while maintaining peace of mind.
Relationship with Ex-Husband Robert Herjavec
While their marriage ended, Diane and Robert share a mutual commitment to co-parenting their children. They have maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of their family. Robert’s remarriage to Kym Johnson did not affect Diane’s bond with her children, nor did it alter her independence. Though no longer publicly connected to Robert, Diane remains acknowledged as a key figure in his personal journey, especially during the years when he built his career.
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond her medical profession, Diane enjoys a quiet lifestyle filled with family, travel, and cultural connections. Friends and close associates describe her as warm and thoughtful, with interests that keep her intellectually engaged. Though little is publicly known about her hobbies, it is clear she values personal enrichment over external recognition. Her post-divorce years reflect a life of balance—focused on health, family, and personal well-being.
Net Worth & Financial Status
Divorce Settlement and Wealth
As part of her divorce settlement in 2016, Diane reportedly received a financial package worth around $25 million. This settlement reflected not only Robert’s immense fortune but also Diane’s role as his partner during his early struggles and successes. The settlement ensured her long-term financial security, allowing her to live comfortably while continuing her professional career.
Lifestyle and Investments
Despite her wealth, Diane does not lead a flashy lifestyle. Unlike many high-profile ex-spouses, she is known for her modest and private approach. While Robert invests in luxury properties and businesses, Diane has focused on stability, family, and health. Her financial independence allows her to make choices aligned with her values, rather than chasing public approval or extravagant ventures.
Comparing Wealth with Robert Herjavec
While Robert Herjavec’s net worth exceeds $200 million, Diane’s settlement placed her in a secure financial position. Though their wealth is incomparable, Diane never sought fame or fortune from Robert’s success. Her focus has always been her own identity as a doctor, mother, and independent woman.
Public Perception & Media Coverage
Media Attention During Divorce
The Herjavec divorce received significant media coverage due to Robert’s fame. Headlines highlighted the large settlement and speculated about the reasons for their split. However, Diane avoided sensationalism by maintaining silence and refusing to engage with tabloids. Her dignified approach earned public respect and minimized unnecessary controversy.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Since her divorce, Diane has largely disappeared from the media scene. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives who build brands from their associations, Diane returned to her private medical practice. Her choice reinforced her image as a strong, independent woman who values substance over publicity.
Respect from Fans and Media
Despite her low profile, Diane remains admired for her grace, professionalism, and dedication to family. Fans of Robert Herjavec often acknowledge her role in his early success and respect her decision to maintain privacy. Her reputation continues to be that of a dignified woman who handled fame and challenges with composure.
Legacy and Influence
Contribution as a Professional Woman
Diane Plese’s legacy lies not only in her association with Robert Herjavec but in her accomplishments as a Canadian optometrist. She represents the strength of women who balance professional careers with family life, proving that one can maintain independence even while married to a public figure.
Role in Supporting Robert Herjavec’s Career
During her marriage, Diane played a crucial role in supporting Robert through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From the early days of his business struggles to his eventual success on Shark Tank, Diane provided stability and encouragement. While Robert became the face of success, Diane’s contributions behind the scenes were equally significant.
Legacy as a Mother and Professional
Ultimately, Diane’s most enduring legacy is her role as a mother and professional. She raised three successful children while maintaining her medical career, a balance that reflects her resilience and commitment. Her story inspires women to embrace independence, dignity, and purpose, regardless of circumstances.
Conclusion
Diane Plese is far more than just the ex-wife of Robert Herjavec. She is a dedicated optometrist, a loving mother, and a woman who values independence and privacy. From her Croatian roots and early career in medicine to her high-profile marriage and dignified divorce, Diane’s journey embodies resilience and grace. Her decision to focus on family and career instead of media attention makes her an inspiring figure. Though she lives a private life today, her influence continues through her children, her professional contributions, and the legacy she built with quiet strength.
FAQs about Diane Plese
Q1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist and the ex-wife of businessman and TV star Robert Herjavec.
Q2. When did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec get married?
They married in 1990 and divorced in 2016.
Q3. How many children does Diane Plese have?
She has three children: Skye, Caprice, and Brendan Herjavec.
Q4. What is Diane Plese’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $25 million, primarily from her divorce settlement.
Q5. Is Diane Plese still practicing medicine?
Yes, she continues her work as an optometrist in Canada.
Q6. What nationality is Diane Plese?
She is Canadian with Croatian heritage.
Q7. Where does Diane Plese live now?
She resides in Canada, maintaining a private and low-profile lifestyle.
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