Not everyone who enters the public spotlight wants to stay there forever. Some people simply want a calm and private life. That is exactly how many people describe Diane Plese, the first wife of businessman and Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec.
For many years, Diane Plese lived far from fame. She worked as an eye doctor, cared for her family, and supported her husband while he slowly built a successful business. Back then, Robert Herjavec was not a TV star or a millionaire. He was just a young man with big dreams.
But life changed over time. Robert became very successful, and his career brought him into the spotlight. Then their long marriage ended in a very public divorce. Since then, many people have asked the same question: What happened to Diane Plese?
In this article, we will take a closer look at Diane Plese’s life story. We will explore her early life in Canada, her career as an optometrist, how she met Robert Herjavec, their marriage, and their family life together. By the end, you will better understand the quiet woman behind a very famous name.
Diane Plese Quick Bio
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Birth Year | 1959 |
| Age (2026) | 67 years old |
| Birthplace | Parkdale, Toronto, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Croatian background |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Profession | Optometrist (retired) |
| Known For | Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Robert Herjavec |
| Marriage | 1990–2014 |
| Children | Brendan, Skye, Caprice |
| Divorce Settlement | $25M + $125K monthly support |
| Current Residence | Toronto, Canada |
| Remarried | No |
| Social Media | Not active |
Who Is Diane Plese?
Many people know the name Diane Plese because of her connection to Robert Herjavec. However, there is much more to her story than simply being known as Robert Herjavec’s ex-wife.
Diane Plese is a Canadian woman who worked as an optometrist, which means she helped people take care of their eyes and vision. For many years, she ran her own clinic and built a strong reputation as a kind and careful doctor. Her patients appreciated how calm and friendly she was.
Unlike many people connected to famous celebrities, Diane Plese never tried to become a public figure. She avoided interviews, stayed away from social media, and focused on living a simple life. Even when Robert became famous on television, Diane stayed mostly out of the spotlight.
Because of this, many people remain curious about her. They want to know who she really is and what her life is like today.
Diane Plese’s Early Life in Canada
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, a neighborhood in Toronto, Canada. Her parents were immigrants from Croatia who came to Canada to build a better life for their family.
Growing up, Diane lived a simple and peaceful life. Her family believed in hard work, honesty, and strong family values. These lessons became very important for Diane as she grew older.
Her childhood was not connected to fame or wealth. Instead, it was filled with normal experiences like school, family dinners, and everyday responsibilities. People who knew her during those years often described her as thoughtful, quiet, and focused on her goals.
Those early values stayed with her throughout her life. Even later, when she became connected to a wealthy entrepreneur, Diane Plese continued to live in a humble and grounded way.
Diane Plese’s Education and Career as an Optometrist
Long before she became known to the public, Diane Plese was focused on building a career in healthcare. In the late 1970s, she began studying optometry, the medical field that focuses on eye care and vision.
Her studies were not easy. Becoming an optometrist requires many years of education and training. But Diane worked hard and eventually became a licensed eye doctor in the early 1980s.
After finishing her education, Diane opened her own optometry clinic in Toronto. She helped many patients improve their eyesight and take care of their eye health. Patients often described her as gentle, patient, and easy to talk to.
Running a clinic also meant long hours and hard work. But Diane enjoyed helping people. She built a stable career and a good life for herself.
Interestingly, her career would also lead to one of the most important moments of her life — the day she met Robert Herjavec.
How Diane Plese Met Robert Herjavec
The love story between Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec started in a very simple way.
In 1988, Robert visited Diane’s clinic for a routine eye appointment. At that time, he was not famous and certainly not wealthy. He was a young man working hard to build a career in the technology world.
During that appointment, the two started talking. Diane later shared that she liked Robert’s personality right away. She admired his energy and how excited he seemed about life and the future.
Their first meeting turned into more conversations, and soon they began dating. Their relationship was not based on money or fame. Instead, it grew from genuine connection and shared values.
At that time, neither of them could have imagined how much their lives would change in the years ahead.
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s Wedding
After dating for about two years, Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec decided to get married. Their wedding took place in 1990 at a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario.
The ceremony was simple and meaningful. It also reflected their shared cultural background and strong family traditions. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the start of their new life together.
In the early years of their marriage, the couple did not live a glamorous lifestyle. They started their life in a modest home and worked hard to build their future. Diane continued working as an optometrist, while Robert focused on developing his technology business.
At one point, Robert even started his cybersecurity company BRAK Systems from their basement. It was not easy, and success did not come overnight. But Diane Plese supported him during those difficult early years, believing in his dreams even when things were uncertain.
Diane Plese’s Life as a Wife and Mother
As time passed, Diane Plese’s life began to revolve around family. While she continued her career, she also became deeply focused on building a warm and stable home.
When their children arrived, Diane took her role as a mother very seriously. She wanted to create a loving environment where her children could grow up with strong values and a sense of normal life.
Even when Robert’s career started growing, Diane tried to keep their family life private and balanced. She helped with school activities, family routines, and everyday responsibilities. To her, raising her children was one of the most important parts of her life.
Friends and people close to the family often described Diane as a caring and dedicated parent. She believed that a strong family foundation was more important than fame or wealth.
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s Three Children
During their marriage, Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec welcomed three children together. Their family slowly grew, bringing new joy and responsibilities into their lives.
Their first child, Brendan Herjavec, was born in 1993. Brendan later studied business and economics at university and built a career in healthcare strategy. He also hosts a podcast and remains active in the business world.
Their second child, Skye Herjavec, was born in 1996. Skye studied business at the University of Southern California and worked for financial company JPMorgan for some time. Like her mother, she prefers to keep her life private.
Their youngest child, Caprice Herjavec, was born in 1998. During her school years, Caprice was known for her talent in sports, especially swimming and rowing. Today, she works as a consultant in New York City.
Throughout their childhood, Diane Plese made sure her children stayed away from the spotlight. Even as their father became more famous, she worked hard to give them a normal upbringing.
Diane Plese During Robert Herjavec’s Rise to Fame
Around the year 2000, life changed dramatically for the Herjavec family.
Robert sold his technology company BRAK Systems for about $30.2 million. This moment transformed their financial situation and opened new opportunities for him in business and television.
Over time, Robert became a well-known public figure. He appeared on the Canadian show Dragon’s Den, and later gained worldwide fame as an investor on Shark Tank.
During this time, Diane Plese was sometimes seen at public events and red carpet appearances with Robert. However, she never tried to build her own celebrity image.
She did not give interviews or create a public brand. Instead, Diane continued to live quietly and focus on her family.
Even while standing next to a rising television star, Diane Plese remained the same private and calm person she had always been.
Why Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec Divorced
After many years of marriage, the relationship between Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec slowly began to change. For more than two decades, they had built a life together, raised children, and supported each other through many ups and downs.
However, around 2014, the couple quietly separated. This news surprised many people because, from the outside, they seemed like a happy and successful family. They had been married for 24 years, which made the separation even more shocking for fans and the media.
In March 2015, Diane Plese officially filed for divorce. Around that time, rumors began to appear in the media that Robert had started a relationship with actress Danielle Vasinova. These reports made the situation even more emotional for the family.
Even during this difficult time, Diane Plese remained calm and respectful. She did not speak negatively about Robert in public. Instead, she stayed focused on her children and handled the situation quietly.
Diane Plese’s Divorce Settlement
The divorce between Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec was finalized in 2016, and it quickly became a major topic in the news. Because Robert had become a very successful businessman and television personality, the financial settlement was quite large.
According to reports, Diane Plese received about $25 million as part of the divorce settlement. In addition to that, the court ordered Robert to pay $125,000 every month in spousal and child support.
Diane also received ownership of two important properties from their shared assets. One was the family’s Florida home, and the other was their beautiful ski chalet in Caledon, Ontario. These homes had been places where the family once spent time together.
Even with all the attention around the settlement, Diane Plese did not try to show off her wealth. She did not appear in interviews or post about her life online. She simply chose to move forward quietly.
What Happened to Diane Plese After the Divorce?
After the divorce, Diane Plese made a very clear choice. She decided to step away from the public spotlight completely.
Many people expected that she might appear in interviews or share her side of the story. But Diane chose a different path. She did not go on television, did not write a book, and did not start a public social media account.
Instead, Diane Plese focused on living a peaceful life. She spent time with her family and focused on her own healing after the end of a long marriage.
In today’s world, where many people seek attention online, Diane’s choice is quite rare. Her quiet approach has earned her a lot of respect from people who admire her strength and privacy.
Where Is Robert Herjavec’s Ex-Wife Now?
Many people still search online asking the same question: Where is Diane Plese today?
As of 2026, Diane Plese is believed to still be living in Toronto, Canada. She keeps her life very private and rarely appears in public events or media reports.
It also appears that she has stepped away from her career as an optometrist. After many years of working and raising a family, she now enjoys a slower and more peaceful lifestyle.
Diane has not remarried, and she does not use social media. This makes it difficult for the public to know much about her daily life. However, it is believed that she remains very close to her three children.
For Diane Plese, happiness seems to come from privacy, family time, and a calm life away from fame.
Robert Herjavec’s Life After Diane Plese
While Diane Plese chose a quiet life, Robert Herjavec’s life continued to stay in the spotlight.
In 2016, the same year his divorce was finalized, Robert married Kym Johnson, a professional dancer known for appearing on the television show Dancing With the Stars.
The couple later welcomed twins named Haven and Hudson in 2018. Robert and Kym now live together in California, where they raise their young family.
Robert has continued to appear on Shark Tank and remains active in business and technology investments. His life today is still very public, very busy, and full of media attention.
Even though their paths are now very different, the years Robert and Diane Plese spent together remain an important part of both of their stories.
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