Not everyone in the spotlight wants to stay there.
That’s true for Diane Plese, the first wife of Shark Tank star and businessman Robert Herjavec. She was by his side long before the fame and millions. She lived a quiet life, helped raise their family, and supported Robert while he built his business from the ground up.
But after a very public divorce, she stepped away from the spotlight—and never looked back.
So what really happened to Diane Plese? Where is she now in 2025? And how did she handle everything with so much strength and grace?
Let’s take a closer look at Diane Plese’s life, from the very beginning to the moment everything changed.
Diane Plese Quick Bio
Full Name | Diane Plese |
Year of Birth | 1959 |
Age (as of 2025) | 66 years old |
Place of Birth | Parkdale, Toronto, Canada |
Nationality | Canadian |
Ethnicity | White (Croatian background) |
Religion | Christianity |
Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Profession | Optometrist (retired) |
Known For | Ex-wife of Robert Herjavec |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Ex-Husband | Robert Herjavec |
Marriage Duration | 1990–2014 (24 years) |
Children | 3 (Brendan, Skye, Caprice) |
Divorce Settlement | $25 million + $125,000/month support |
Current Residence | Toronto, Canada |
Remarried? | No |
Social Media | Not active |
Who Is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese is a Canadian woman who worked as an optometrist, or eye doctor. She is best known as the first wife of Robert Herjavec, a TV personality and successful entrepreneur.
Even though Robert became very famous, Diane stayed private. She never tried to be on TV, and she avoided public attention. She didn’t want to be a celebrity — she just wanted a peaceful life.
People who knew her say she was calm, kind, and very focused on her family. That never changed, even when life got hard.
Diane Plese’s Early Life in Canada
Diane was born in 1959 in Parkdale, a neighborhood in Toronto, Canada. Her parents were Croatian immigrants, and they raised her with strong values.
Her childhood was simple and full of love. Diane learned the importance of hard work, honesty, and staying grounded. These lessons would help her later when life became more complicated.
Even after she became linked to a millionaire, she stayed the same person. She never let fame or money change her.
Diane Plese’s Career as an Optometrist
Before she became known as Robert Herjavec’s wife, Diane had a strong career of her own.
She went to college in the late 1970s to study optometry. She worked hard, and by the early 1980s, she became a licensed eye doctor.
Diane opened her own clinic in Toronto, where she helped patients with their vision. She was known for being gentle and easy to talk to. Her patients trusted her and appreciated her calm nature.
It was in this very clinic that she would meet the man who would change her life — Robert Herjavec.
How Diane Plese Met Robert Herjavec
In 1988, Robert walked into Diane’s clinic for a simple eye appointment. He wasn’t rich or famous back then. He was just a young man with big dreams.
But Diane saw something special in him.
She once said she liked how full of energy he was — how excited he was about life. They started talking, and something clicked. That first meeting led to more conversations… and soon, they were dating.
It was a simple love story, built on connection and shared values — not money or fame.
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s Wedding
After two years of dating, Diane and Robert got married in 1990. Their wedding was held in a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario, showing their love for their roots.
They started married life in a small home. Diane kept working as an optometrist, and Robert began building his tech company — BRAK Systems — right from their basement.
It wasn’t easy. They didn’t have much money at the time. But Diane supported him every step of the way.
She believed in him when no one else knew his name. That support helped Robert grow into the man the world would later see on Shark Tank.
Diane Plese as a Mother
As their love grew, so did their family.
Diane and Robert became parents to three children:
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Brendan (born in 1993)
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Skye (born in 1996)
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Caprice (born in 1998)
Diane took motherhood seriously. She focused on giving her children a safe and loving home, full of care, warmth, and good values.
Even as Robert became richer and more famous, Diane kept their kids out of the spotlight. She wanted them to have a normal childhood.
She helped with school, sports, and everything in between. To Diane, being a mom was the most important job in the world.
Diane’s Life During Robert’s Success
In 2000, everything changed.
Robert sold his company for $30.2 million, and their lives went from simple to super wealthy. Soon after, Robert began appearing on TV shows like Dragon’s Den in Canada and later Shark Tank in the U.S.
Diane was seen on red carpets beside him at events. She smiled for photos but never tried to be famous.
She didn’t start a brand or a business. She didn’t give interviews. She just kept being herself — calm, private, and focused on family.
While Robert’s fame grew, Diane stayed in the background — by choice.
Why Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec Got Divorced
After 24 years of marriage, things started to change.
In July 2014, Diane and Robert quietly separated. Many people were shocked — they always seemed happy in public.
But behind the scenes, their relationship had changed.
In March 2015, Diane filed for divorce. Around that time, rumors came out that Robert had been in a relationship with actress Danielle Vasinova.
It made things more painful, but Diane never spoke badly about Robert in public. She stayed calm, even through the heartbreak.
Diane Plese’s Divorce Settlement Explained
When Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s divorce was finalized in 2016, it quickly made headlines across Canada and the U.S.
Since Robert was now a millionaire and a TV star, the court ordered him to give Diane a very large settlement. She was awarded $25 million, plus $125,000 every month in spousal and child support.
Along with the money, Diane also received two homes — their Florida property and their Caledon ski chalet. These were beautiful, luxurious places the family had once enjoyed together.
But even after all this, Diane never showed off. She didn’t post pictures of fancy vacations. She didn’t give interviews about the money. She stayed quiet and calm, just like she had always been.
What Happened to Diane Plese After the Divorce?
After the divorce, Diane Plese made one big decision — to disappear from the spotlight.
She didn’t go on TV. She didn’t give any interviews. She didn’t even join social media. She simply chose a quiet life. And in a world full of noise and drama, that choice says a lot about who she is.
Diane focused on her healing, her family, and her peace of mind. She never used the divorce for fame or attention. In fact, many people admire her for how gracefully she handled such a public breakup.
Even now in 2025, Diane Plese remains one of the few public figures who stayed completely private — and many respect her for that.
Where Is Diane Plese Now in 2025?
As of 2025, Diane Plese is still believed to be living in Toronto, Canada.
She enjoys a simple and quiet lifestyle. She’s no longer working as an optometrist, and she hasn’t remarried. She keeps her private life private — just the way she likes it.
There are no new photos, no interviews, and no social updates. But from what we know, Diane is close to her three adult children and continues to be a strong and loving presence in their lives.
For many people, Diane Plese’s life now is a reminder that happiness doesn’t need to be loud. Sometimes, peace is the most powerful thing of all.
Diane Plese’s Children Today
Diane’s children with Robert Herjavec are now all grown up and doing well.
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Brendan Herjavec, born in 1993, followed a path in business and healthcare strategy. He studied at top universities and even hosts a podcast. In 2022, he married his longtime partner, Jessica.
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Skye Herjavec, born in 1996, went to the University of Southern California and studied business. She worked at JPMorgan for a while and now keeps a very private lifestyle, much like her mom.
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Caprice Herjavec, born in 1998, was a talented swimmer and rower during her school years. Today, she works as a consultant in New York City. She is smart, focused, and very low-key.
Thanks to Diane’s quiet strength and guidance, all three children have grown up with good values and calm energy — even after going through a very public family change.
Final Thoughts
Diane Plese may be best known as Robert Herjavec’s first wife, but her story goes far beyond that.
She was a smart and caring eye doctor, a supportive wife, and a wonderful mom. She stood beside Robert when he had nothing and helped build the life they shared. When things ended, she didn’t fight for the spotlight — she walked away with strength and grace.
Even now, Diane Plese’s life after divorce shows us something powerful: you don’t need to be famous, loud, or flashy to live a meaningful and respected life.
Her quiet journey — from love to heartbreak to peace — continues to inspire many people in 2025.