When we hear the name Robert Herjavec, most people immediately think of the successful businessman, investor, and TV star from Shark Tank. But behind every public figure, there is often someone who once played a very important role in their personal journey. For Robert, that person was Diane Plese.
Diane is not just known for being Robert’s ex-wife. She has her own inspiring story as a professional, a mother, and a woman who built a life filled with dedication and values. In this blog post, we take a deep look into her profile, early life, career, marriage, divorce, and what she is doing today. By the end, you’ll see why Diane’s story is about much more than being connected to a famous name.
Profile Summary
Here is a quick look at Diane Plese’s profile for easy understanding:
- Full Name: Diane Plese
- Date of Birth: 1959
- Age (as of 2025): 66 years old
- Place of Birth: Parkdale, Toronto, Canada
- Current Residence: Toronto, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: White, with Croatian roots
- Height: 5’10”
- Eye Colour: Brown
- Hair Colour: Blonde
- Gender: Female
- Orientation: Heterosexual
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Ex-Husband: Robert Herjavec
- Children: 3 (Caprice, Skye, and Brendan)
- Profession: Optometrist (eye doctor)
- Known For: Being the former wife of Robert Herjavec and a successful optometrist
Also read: DJ Quicksilva Net Worth: A Journey of Passion and Entrepreneurship
Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian woman who made a name for herself in the medical world as an optometrist, someone who helps people care for their eyes and vision. While she became publicly known because of her marriage to businessman and TV personality Robert Herjavec, Diane has always been much more than “just someone’s wife.”
She is remembered as a dedicated professional, a supportive partner during her marriage, and above all, a loving mother to her three children. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Diane has always chosen a quiet and private life. She does not appear on social media, rarely gives interviews, and prefers to stay away from the spotlight.
Her story is inspiring because it shows how someone can live with dignity, professionalism, and grace—even when life brings challenges such as divorce or public attention.
Early Life & Personal Life
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada, into a family of Croatian immigrants. Her parents had moved to Canada the same year, looking for better opportunities. Growing up, Diane learned strong values of hard work, discipline, and family loyalty, which later shaped her personality as an adult.
She spent her childhood in Parkdale, which at that time was home to many immigrant families. Diane’s parents ensured that she and her siblings (if any) had access to good education and a stable upbringing. Since her family came from Croatia, she grew up with a mix of Canadian culture and Croatian traditions. This background made her both grounded and respectful of her roots.
From an early age, Diane was described as caring, intelligent, and motivated. She always wanted to help people, which is why she decided to pursue a career in the medical field. Choosing optometry gave her the chance to improve people’s vision and quality of life.
As a person, Diane has always valued privacy and humility. Even when she later married Robert Herjavec and became part of a high-profile lifestyle, she never sought the spotlight. Instead, she focused on building a strong family and pursuing her career goals.
Professional Career as an Optometrist
In the mid-1980s, Diane Plese began her career as an optometrist. Optometrists are medical professionals who specialize in eye care. They perform eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and help people prevent or manage vision problems.
Diane was known for being professional, kind, and attentive to her patients. She was not only about fixing vision problems but also about educating her patients on how to take care of their eyes. Many people respected her for her dedication to patient care.
Running her own practice also allowed Diane to balance her career with her family responsibilities. Unlike jobs that require constant travel or public appearances, being an optometrist gave her the chance to work in her community, help others, and still spend time with her children.
Her career shows that she was not dependent on her husband’s success. She had her own identity as a professional woman who earned respect in the medical field. This independence became even more important later in life after her divorce.
Marriage and Family Life
Diane Plese’s life changed in the late 1980s when she met Robert Herjavec. Interestingly, their meeting was connected to her profession—Robert had gone to see Diane as a patient. At that time, Robert was in his mid-20s and still building his career.
The two fell in love and got married in 1990 at a church in Mississauga, near Toronto. Their wedding was a beautiful ceremony attended by family and close friends. At that time, Robert was not yet the millionaire businessman we know today. He was still working hard to build his career, and Diane stood by his side through those early struggles.
The couple built a strong relationship based on mutual respect and support. They were often seen traveling together, enjoying family vacations, and raising their three children: Caprice, Skye, and Brendan. Diane was known to be the emotional backbone of the family, while Robert focused on his business ventures.
As a family, they lived a comfortable life in Canada, enjoying both simple moments at home and exciting adventures abroad. Diane’s role was not only as a wife but also as a mother who made sure her children grew up in a stable and loving environment.
Divorce from Robert Herjavec
After 24 years of marriage, Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec separated in 2014. The divorce was finalized in 2016. Because Robert was a famous TV personality by then, the news attracted a lot of media attention.
The reasons for their divorce were never fully revealed. Some reports suggest that they had irreconcilable differences, while others say the pressures of fame and business may have played a role. Robert himself once said that he fell into a period of depression during that time, showing how difficult the separation was for both of them.
One major part of the divorce was the financial settlement. Robert was worth around $200 million at the time, and Diane received a significant portion of that wealth in the divorce. While the exact amount is not public, reports suggest that it was enough to make her financially secure for life.
Despite the challenges, Diane and Robert both agreed to put their children first. They have maintained a respectful relationship for the sake of their family, showing maturity and care even after their separation.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Diane Plese chose to live a private and low-key life. Unlike Robert, who continued to appear on Shark Tank and in the media, Diane stepped away from the public eye.
She is said to have returned to her career as an optometrist, focusing on her work and her children. Her priority has been maintaining a normal life and ensuring her kids feel supported despite the changes in their family situation.
Diane does not use social media and rarely appears in the news. This decision shows her personality—someone who values privacy over fame. For her, life after divorce has been about rebuilding her identity outside of being Robert’s wife, and focusing on what truly matters: family, health, and peace of mind.
Legacy and Impact
When people talk about Diane Plese, they often connect her name to Robert Herjavec. But her true legacy is much deeper.
As an optometrist, she has helped countless patients improve their vision and protect their eye health. This is a meaningful contribution that often gets overlooked because of her marriage.
As a mother, she raised three children with love and care, giving them a strong foundation for their futures.
As a person, she has shown how someone can handle public attention, divorce, and personal challenges with grace, dignity, and strength. She may not wear a superhero cape, but in her own quiet way, she has been a role model for resilience and professionalism.
Net Worth
Diane Plese’s net worth has always been a subject of curiosity. While she earned a steady income as an optometrist, her financial situation changed after her divorce settlement.
Since Robert Herjavec’s net worth was estimated at over $200 million during their divorce, Diane is believed to have received a large share of that wealth. While the exact numbers are not public, it is safe to say that Diane is financially secure and independent today.
Her earnings from her career and the divorce settlement together make her one of the wealthier medical professionals in Canada. However, true to her nature, she does not flaunt her wealth or live a flashy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Diane Plese’s story is more than just being known as the ex-wife of a TV star. She is a professional woman, a dedicated mother, and a person of strength and grace. From her childhood as the daughter of Croatian immigrants to her successful career as an optometrist, from her long marriage to her quiet life after divorce, Diane’s journey is full of lessons about resilience, balance, and dignity.
She shows us that life is not only about fame or fortune—it is about staying true to your values, caring for your family, and facing challenges with courage. Even though she chooses to stay out of the spotlight, Diane Plese continues to inspire by showing that real strength often speaks in silence.
FAQ’s About Diane Plese
Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist best known as the former wife of businessman and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec. She is also the mother of three children.
How old is Diane Plese now?
Diane Plese was born in 1959, which makes her 66 years old in 2025.
Does Diane Plese still work as an optometrist?
Yes, reports suggest Diane returned to her career in optometry after her divorce and continues to value her professional work.
How many children does Diane Plese have?
Diane has three children with Robert Herjavec—Caprice, Skye, and Brendan.
What is Diane Plese’s net worth?
While the exact figure is not public, Diane’s net worth comes from her medical career and a large divorce settlement, making her financially secure.
