Diane Plese is known today mainly because she was the first wife of businessman and TV star Robert Herjavec, but her own life story is full of strength, education, and quiet dignity. She was with Robert long before “Shark Tank” or fame. She supported him through years of struggle, career building, and early business challenges. Many readers search her name because they want to know who she really is, how she lived, and what happened after their divorce. Her story shows the private side of living with a rising entrepreneur.
Quick Bio of Diane Plese
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Profession | Optometrist (Eye Doctor) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Heritage | Croatian-Canadian |
| Birth Year | Around 1959 |
| Known For | First wife of Robert Herjavec |
| Marriage Year | 1990 |
| Divorce Year | 2015 |
| Children | Skye, Brendan, and Caprice Herjavec |
| Career Strength | Medical eye care / Optometry |
| Estimated Net Worth | $25M–$100M (unconfirmed estimates) |
| Residence | Toronto, Canada |
| Lifestyle | Private, low-profile, family-focused |
Early Life and Family Background
The woman we now call diane plese was born in Toronto, Canada, into a Croatian family that valued hard work. Her parents came from the former Yugoslavia and settled in Canada in search of better opportunities. Growing up in a close-knit immigrant community helped her develop discipline, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Even as a young girl, she showed talent in science and loved learning about health. Her classmates remembered her as calm, intelligent, and focused. She liked helping people, and soon she knew she wanted to work in the medical field. This early passion led her toward a respected career.
Education and Becoming an Optometrist
After finishing high school, diane plese continued her education to become an optometrist. She trained professionally and learned how to care for eye health, diagnose vision problems, and help patients see better. Becoming a doctor requires years of discipline, and she fulfilled this role with kindness and skill.
When she began her career in Toronto, patients appreciated her soft manner and careful exams. She listened well, explained clearly, and treated people with respect. Many of her early patients remained loyal for years. This caring nature later played a big role in her personal life and marriage.
Meeting Robert Herjavec
A life-changing moment came when a young man entered her clinic for an eye exam. That man was Robert Herjavec, a Croatian immigrant like her. At that time, Robert was far from famous. He worked small jobs, tried different business ideas, and dreamed about building something successful. According to many stories, he quickly admired her intelligence, while she admired his ambition.
Their shared background helped them connect. They understood each other’s families, culture, and values. Soon after meeting, they began dating. At this point, there was no fortune, no companies, and no TV cameras only two young people trying to build a life together.
Wedding and Early Married Life
The wedding of diane plese and Robert took place in 1990, in a traditional church ceremony near Toronto. It was a simple celebration surrounded by family. They did not know yet how much their life would change in the future. Their marriage was built on hope, partnership, and the belief that hard work could create a better future.
During their early years together, life was not glamorous. Robert was still building his career in tech, often working long hours. Money was tight, and stress was high. Through all of this, Diane supported him quietly working as a doctor, managing the home, and helping him stay motivated.
Becoming a Mother
As the years passed, diane plese and Robert welcomed three children: Skye, Brendan, and Caprice. Diane took the lead in raising them, making sure they grew up with strong values and good education. She balanced motherhood with her job as an optometrist and created a warm and stable home for the family.
The children grew up in a multicultural home, connected to their Croatian heritage but also fully Canadian. Diane encouraged them to be independent, polite, and responsible. Even today, her children often stay out of the public eye, a sign that she taught them to value privacy and humility.
Supporting Robert’s Business Growth
Behind every successful entrepreneur is often someone who helped carry the emotional weight. For Robert, that person was diane plese. In the 1990s, he launched his company BRAK Systems, which later sold for tens of millions of dollars. Diane supported him through the stressful moments, long nights, and financial risks.
When Robert later sold another company and became a multimillionaire, Diane was beside him. When he joined “Dragon’s Den” in Canada and then “Shark Tank” in the United States, she supported this new part of his life. She did this without seeking fame for herself. She preferred to stay out of television and interviews, choosing family life over public life.
Life as a Celebrity Wife
As Robert became a TV personality, their lifestyle changed. They moved into larger homes and traveled more. However, diane plese remained quiet and private. She never tried to be a celebrity, even when cameras appeared around the family. She was known for being polite, gentle, and focused on her children rather than fame.
While many people connected to stars enjoy media attention, Diane always kept her distance. Her quiet nature made her different from many others linked to TV figures. She continued working as a doctor and giving her children stability.
Growing Distance and Emotional Strain
After more than twenty years of marriage, differences began to grow. Robert spoke publicly about feeling stressed and lonely during this period. At the same time, media reports suggested that he had an affair, which deeply hurt the marriage. Diane Plese did not speak publicly about these claims, but many sources agree that trust broke down.
Despite these problems, Diane continued caring for the children and handled the situation with dignity. She did not start public arguments or share private details. She protected her family from media drama, even when the story appeared in news headlines.
The Divorce and Public Attention
In 2014, the couple separated. In 2015, diane plese officially filed for divorce. The court process became highly reported because of Robert’s massive wealth. After many hearings, Diane received a large financial settlement. This included a lump sum and monthly support, reflecting the fact that she stood beside Robert during his rise.
Even during the divorce, Diane remained calm and private. She said little to the press and focused on keeping life normal for her children. This behavior earned her respect from many people who followed the story.
Net Worth and Life After Divorce
Because of the settlement and her long career as a doctor, many estimates suggest diane plese has a net worth between $25 million and $100 million. The exact number is unknown because she keeps her finances private. Even with wealth, she chooses a simple lifestyle away from cameras.
Today, she is believed to live quietly in or near Toronto. She stays close to her children and continues to enjoy independence. She does not appear in public events or interviews. Her life is peaceful and steady.
Relationship With Her Children After the Split
For Diane, her children remained her top priority during and after the divorce. Her oldest daughter Skye Herjavec studied at the University of Southern California and later worked in business and fitness. Brendan and Caprice also prefer private lives.
Diane stays close to them and supports their choices. She appears proud of their maturity and independence. Even when Robert remarried Kym Johnson, Diane stayed respectful and avoided conflict for the sake of her children.
How Old Is Diane Plese?
People often search for diane plese age and want to know how old she is today. Most sources place her birth year around 1959, which would make her about 66 years old in 2025. Some websites suggest slightly different years, but all agree she is in her mid-sixties.
There are also searches like “diane plese young”, showing that many people are curious about her early life. Old photos show a confident young woman with soft features, standing beside Robert during their early marriage years.
Why She Chooses Privacy
One of the most interesting things about diane plese is her decision to stay completely private. She does not use public social media. She does not appear in magazines or TV interviews. Instead, she enjoys her time with family and continues to live a relaxed, personal life.
Her choice to stay silent after the divorce shows her strong character. She did not try to use fame, money, or media to gain attention. She simply stepped away and built a peaceful world for herself.
What She Represents to Fans
Many fans of “Shark Tank” admire her because she represents strength and dignity. She helped Robert become the man the world knows today. She supported him long before he was successful. Her story reminds us that not all important people stand in the spotlight.
People search for diane plese because her journey reflects loyalty, hard work, and emotional resilience. Her life offers quiet lessons about love, partnership, and moving forward with grace.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian optometrist best known as the first wife of Robert Herjavec, whom she supported during his early career.
2. What happened to Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec?
The couple divorced in 2015 after more than 20 years of marriage, ending a long partnership built before Herjavec’s fame.
3. How many children does Diane Plese have?
She has three children with Robert: Skye, Brendan, and Caprice Herjavec.
4. What is Diane Plese’s net worth?
Estimates suggest tens of millions of dollars, largely from the divorce settlement and her long optometry career.
5. Where is Diane Plese today?
She lives a private life in Canada, staying out of the public eye and focusing on family and personal peace.
Final Thoughts
Even though she is not a celebrity, diane plese remains a meaningful part of Robert Herjavec’s story. She shared his early years, stood beside him during his rise, and built a strong family. After their separation, she continued to live with dignity and strength. Today, her life shows that privacy can be powerful.
She is proof that success is not always loud. She is a doctor, a mother, and a woman who faced challenges with calm courage. And that is why people continue to search her name and want to understand the real person behind the headlines.
Curious for more? Dive deeper on our site now! Daily Bips
