Diane Plese, a name that might ring a bell to many due to her association with Robert Herjavec, the famous Canadian businessman and TV personality, has her own story to tell. Diane was not only a dedicated wife and mother but also a successful optometrist with a long and accomplished career. After a highly publicized divorce from Robert Herjavec in 2015, she chose to step out of the spotlight, focusing on her personal well-being and moving on with her life. In this article, we explore Diane Plese’s early years, career, marriage, children, and her life post-divorce, providing a comprehensive picture of the woman behind the headlines.
Diane Plese’s Early Years
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada. She grew up in a family with Croatian roots, as her parents had immigrated to Canada from Croatia. This rich cultural heritage was a significant part of Diane’s identity. While much of her early life remains private, it is clear that her interest in medicine and health was evident from a young age.
Diane initially pursued pre-med studies, aiming for a career in medicine. However, her passion for eye health led her to shift her focus towards optometry. Optometry, the field dedicated to diagnosing and treating vision problems, became her lifelong career path. Diane’s decision to specialize in optometry was pivotal, as it led to her becoming a respected professional in her field.
Diane Plese’s Career
After completing her pre-med studies, Diane Plese pursued a career in optometry, a profession that deals with the health of the eyes and the correction of vision problems. As an optometrist, Diane worked diligently to improve the quality of life for her patients. She was responsible for conducting eye exams, diagnosing visual impairments, and prescribing corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses.
Diane’s reputation as a dedicated and skilled optometrist grew over the years. She became well-known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to providing the best care for her patients. While her career was relatively private, her success as an eye doctor was undoubtedly an important part of her identity.
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s Relationship
Diane Plese’s life took a public turn when she met Robert Herjavec, a self-made millionaire, entrepreneur, and television personality. Robert, best known for his role as a “Shark” on the popular TV show Shark Tank and his appearances on Dragons’ Den, was one of Diane’s patients. The two crossed paths when Robert visited her eye clinic, and their doctor-patient relationship quickly evolved into a personal one. They shared a common Croatian background, which brought them even closer together.
In 1990, after dating for several years, Diane and Robert tied the knot. Their marriage lasted 25 years and produced three children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice. Throughout their marriage, Diane was known for being a supportive wife and a dedicated mother, focusing on her family and career while maintaining a relatively low public profile.
However, as with many high-profile marriages, their relationship faced difficulties. The couple’s problems came to a head when Robert’s affair became public, causing significant strain in their marriage. Despite their efforts to work through their issues, Diane found it difficult to stay in a relationship built on broken trust.
In 2015, after 25 years of marriage, Diane and Robert decided to divorce. The divorce was a difficult and emotional process, especially since they had to divide their wealth and property. The split was highly publicized, given Robert’s fame and fortune, and it marked the end of a long chapter in both of their lives.
Diane Plese’s Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Robert Herjavec, Diane chose to keep her life private. While Robert quickly remarried his Dancing with the Stars partner Kym Johnson, Diane opted to live a more discreet life away from the media’s prying eyes. She focused on her personal growth and well-being, embracing the opportunity to live on her own terms.
Despite the media interest in her life following the divorce, Diane did not seek attention. She preferred to stay out of the spotlight, keeping a low profile and prioritizing her own happiness. The financial settlement she received from the divorce ensured her financial security, allowing her to live comfortably and focus on her personal life without the pressure of financial worries.
Diane’s post-divorce life remains private, but it is clear that she has shown great strength and resilience in moving forward. She was able to turn a difficult situation into an opportunity for personal growth and independence, proving that she could thrive on her own.
Diane Plese’s Net Worth
As a result of her divorce from Robert Herjavec, Diane Plese is estimated to have a net worth of around $100 million. The wealth comes primarily from the divorce settlement, as Robert’s net worth at the time of their separation was estimated at approximately $300 million. The couple’s assets, which included real estate and investments, were divided during the divorce, leaving Diane with a significant portion of the wealth.
This financial security has allowed Diane to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, free from financial concerns. Despite her considerable wealth, she has chosen to live quietly, staying out of the public eye and avoiding the media attention that often surrounds high-net-worth individuals.
Diane Plese’s Children
Diane and Robert Herjavec have three children together: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice. Each of their children has pursued different paths in life, reflecting the diverse interests and talents within the family.
- Brendan Herjavec: The eldest child, Brendan, has kept his life relatively private. Like his mother, he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, and little is known about his personal and professional endeavors.
- Skye Herjavec: Born in 1996, Skye has emerged as an entrepreneur. She opened three Lululemon pop-up stores in Ontario and has been involved in various business ventures. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at around $5 million, showcasing her success in the business world.
- Caprice Herjavec: Caprice, born in 1994, has pursued a career in consulting. She works for FW Cook, a management consulting company in New York City. During her time at Columbia University, she was also involved in rowing and has made occasional appearances on TV shows. Caprice’s career trajectory shows her academic and professional accomplishments.
While Diane and Robert’s children have chosen different paths, they are all products of the solid foundation their parents provided, and they each seem to be doing well in their respective careers.
Something About Robert Herjavec
While Diane focused on her career and family, Robert Herjavec’s business empire continued to grow. Born in Croatia in 1962, Robert moved to Canada and built his fortune in the technology and cybersecurity industries. He founded BRAK Systems, a company that he sold for $30.2 million, which was a major turning point in his career.
Later, Robert became the CEO of The Herjavec Group, a global cybersecurity firm, which further contributed to his wealth. Robert’s fame skyrocketed when he joined Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den, where he became one of the key investors on both shows. His appearances on these TV programs made him a household name, and he became one of the most recognizable faces in the business world.
Despite their divorce, Robert’s business success has continued, and he has since remarried his Dancing with the Stars partner Kym Johnson.
How Old Is Diane Plese?
Diane Plese was born in 1959, which makes her 65 years old as of 2024. Her Croatian descent, coupled with her Canadian nationality, has shaped much of her identity, and she continues to live a peaceful and private life. Although Diane does not seek the spotlight, she is content with her life and values her privacy.
Diane Plese’s Life Now
Post-divorce, Diane has chosen to keep her life out of the public eye. While Robert has remarried, Diane has embraced her independence and continues to live a quiet, private life. She is not involved in any high-profile public activities and enjoys her time away from the media’s attention. It is clear that Diane values her privacy, and she has used her post-divorce years to focus on her well-being and personal happiness.
Final Thoughts
Diane Plese’s life story is one of resilience, dedication, and personal growth. From her successful career as an optometrist to navigating a high-profile divorce with grace and strength, Diane has shown that she is much more than just the ex-wife of a famous businessman. With a net worth of over $100 million and a private, content life, Diane continues to live on her own terms, staying true to herself and enjoying the peace she has earned.
Her journey is an inspiring tale of how one can rise above challenges and embrace new chapters in life with independence and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much money did Diane get after her divorce?
Diane Plese is worth over $100 million, largely due to the settlement from her divorce with Robert Herjavec.
How long were Diane and Robert married?
Diane and Robert were married for 25 years, from 1990 until their divorce in 2015.
What is Diane Plese doing now?
Diane has chosen to live a private life after her divorce, staying out of the public eye and focusing on herself.