When Robert Herjavec first graced television screens on Dragon’s Den and later Shark Tank, viewers were captivated by his “nice guy” persona and his incredible rags-to-riches story.
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But behind the scenes of his meteoric rise was a partner who had been there since the very beginning long before the private jets and the red carpets. Her name is Diane Plese.
While the media frenzy surrounding their high-profile divorce in 2016 made headlines across North America, the true story of Diane Plese is often overshadowed by her ex-husband’s celebrity.
Far from just being “the ex-wife,” Diane is an accomplished optometrist, a devoted mother, and a woman of remarkable resilience who navigated a public split with quiet dignity.
Quick Bio: Diane Plese
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Birth Year | 1959 |
| Birthplace | Parkdale, Toronto, Canada |
| Heritage | Croatian-Canadian |
| Profession | Optometrist |
| Education | University Graduate (1970s), Optometry Degree (Early 1980s) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Robert Herjavec, 1990–2016) |
| Children | Brendan, Skye, Caprice |
| Residence | Toronto, Ontario |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | ~$25 Million – $100 Million |
Early Life and Background
Diane Plese’s story begins in Parkdale, a neighborhood in Toronto, Ontario. Born in 1959, she was the daughter of Croatian immigrants who had moved to Canada in search of a better life.
This background would later become a significant point of connection between her and Robert Herjavec, who also hailed from Croatia.
Growing up in an immigrant household in the 1960s and 70s often instilled a specific set of values: hard work, the importance of education, and a deep loyalty to family. These values were evident early on in Diane’s life.
While many details of her childhood remain private, a testament to her lifelong preference for discretion, it is known that she was a dedicated student with ambitions in the medical field.
Her parents’ journey from Croatia to Canada mirrored the struggles of many who fled communism or economic instability in Eastern Europe.
This shared cultural history created a foundation of understanding that would later define her marriage, as she and Robert could relate to the immigrant experience of starting with little and working tirelessly to build a future.
Education and Medical Career
Long before she was known as a celebrity spouse, Diane Plese was building a respectable career in medicine. She attended university in the 1970s and went on to earn her professional degree in optometry in the early 1980s.
Becoming an optometrist requires rigorous training and dedication. Diane didn’t just earn the degree; she successfully practiced in the field, eventually managing her own optometry clinic. This is a crucial, often overlooked aspect of her narrative.
Diane was financially independent and professionally established before Robert Herjavec found his massive success in technology.
In fact, Robert has written in his books about the early days of their marriage, noting that Diane’s steady income as a doctor provided a safety net.
When he was taking massive risks to launch his first technology company, BRAK Systems, from their basement, it was Diane’s career that kept food on the table and paid the mortgage.
Her role was not just emotional support; it was the financial bedrock that allowed the “Shark” to earn his teeth.
Marriage to Robert Herjavec
The meeting of Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec is a story of serendipity. In 1988, Robert booked an eye appointment at the clinic where Diane was working. According to interviews given years later, the connection was immediate.
Diane was struck by Robert’s infectious energy and optimism, while Robert was drawn to her intelligence and stability.
The Wedding and Early Years
The couple married in 1990 at a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario. The ceremony was a nod to their shared heritage, celebrating their union within the community that raised them.
The early years of their marriage were defined by the hustle of entrepreneurship. While Robert worked to build his business, Diane continued her medical practice while managing their growing home. They were, by all accounts, a team.
They navigated the lean years together, celebrating small victories long before the multi-million dollar exits.
Raising a Family
Together, Diane and Robert raised three children:
- Brendan: The eldest, who has followed in the family’s business footsteps.
- Skye: A graduate with a business degree, known for her academic achievements.
- Caprice: The youngest, who has pursued athletics and studied at Barnard College.
Diane was the primary caregiver, ensuring that despite the family’s skyrocketing wealth, the children remained grounded. She was the constant presence at home while Robert’s career increasingly demanded global travel and media appearances.
Robert Herjavec’s Career and the Shift
To understand the trajectory of their marriage, one must look at the trajectory of Robert’s career. After selling BRAK Systems to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million in 2000, and later selling another company to Nokia for $225 million, the dynamic of their lives changed dramatically.
They moved from a comfortable life to one of immense opulence. They purchased the famous “Bridle Path” mansion in Toronto, a massive estate that hosted celebrities like The Rolling Stones and John Travolta. They bought cars, boats, and vacation properties.
However, as Robert transitioned from a tech CEO to a television personality on Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank, the public spotlight intensified. Diane, who had always preferred privacy, found herself thrust into the world of red carpets and galas.
While she supported Robert, appearing by his side at awards shows, the pressures of fame and the time apart reportedly began to take a toll on the relationship.
The Divorce: A Public Split
After 24 years of marriage, the couple announced their separation in July 2014. For fans of Robert Herjavec, who frequently spoke about his wife and family on TV, the news was a shock.
The divorce proceedings were finalized in early 2016, but not before becoming tabloid fodder. While Diane maintained her silence, Robert was vocal about his emotional state, admitting to People magazine that he contemplated suicide during the initial separation.
Why Did They Divorce?
The exact reasons for the split have been kept largely private, though rumors of infidelity swirled in the media at the time. Diane’s only significant public comment was a brief, poignant statement: “I cannot live with him anymore.”
This sentence hinted at a breakdown of the partnership that had once been their greatest strength.
The timing of the split also coincided with Robert’s appearance on Dancing With the Stars, where he met his current wife, Kym Johnson.
While the timeline of that relationship has been scrutinized by the public, Diane chose not to engage in a public war of words, focusing instead on the legal and financial resolution of the marriage.
The Divorce Settlement
The financial untangling of a 24-year marriage involving hundreds of millions of dollars is complex. The Ontario Superior Court ruling regarding their divorce offers a glimpse into the scale of their wealth.
Key Settlement Details
- Equalization Payment: Diane was awarded an equalization payment of roughly $2.6 million.
- Property Division: She received significant assets from the division of their real estate portfolio and luxury items, bringing her total settlement to approximately $25 million.
- Spousal Support: Initially, the judge ordered Robert to pay Diane $125,000 per month in spousal support. However, this was later litigated and eventually discontinued, as the court determined her assets were sufficient for her financial independence.
The judge in the case notably cited Robert’s own book, Driven, in the ruling. The judge pointed out that Robert had publicly acknowledged Diane’s income was their safety net in the early days, validating her entitlement to a significant share of the fortune they built together.
Life After Divorce
Where is Diane Plese now? In a world where many celebrity ex-spouses pivot to reality TV or tell-all books, Diane has done the opposite: she has embraced privacy.
She continues to live in Toronto, surrounded by her community and her children. There is no evidence that she has remarried. Instead, she appears to be enjoying the fruits of her decades of labor both as a doctor and as a partner in building a business empire.
Diane does not have public social media accounts. She does not give interviews. She has effectively exited the public eye, reclaiming the anonymity she valued before her husband became a household name.
This choice speaks volumes about her character; she defines herself not by her proximity to fame, but by her own values and relationships.
Diane Plese’s Net Worth (2026 Estimate)
Estimating the net worth of a private individual is difficult, but court documents and real estate values provide a strong baseline.
Following the divorce, Diane received approximately $25 million in cash and assets. Provided these assets were invested conservatively over the last decade, and considering the appreciation of real estate in the Toronto market, her net worth has likely grown.
Estimated Net Worth: $25 Million – $100 Million
- Factors:
- Initial Settlement: The $25M base from 2016.
- Real Estate: High-value properties in Canada often appreciate significantly.
- Investment Growth: A standard 7% annual return on investments would double the initial capital over 10 years.
- Medical Pension/Savings: Her own savings from her decades-long career as an optometrist.
Diane Plese’s Impact and Legacy
It is easy to look at a billionaire’s success and see only the individual. But the story of Diane Plese serves as a reminder that success is rarely a solo endeavor.
Her legacy is threefold:
- The Professional: She broke barriers in the medical field in the 1980s, establishing herself as a doctor and business owner.
- The Architect of Success: Without her financial stability in the 1990s, BRAK Systems might never have survived its infancy. She is the silent co-founder of the Herjavec success story.
- The Matriarch: She raised three grounded children amidst the chaos of extreme wealth and fame, maintaining their connection to their heritage and values.
Conclusion
Diane Plese is far more than a footnote in Robert Herjavec’s biography. She is a success story in her own right, an immigrant’s daughter who became a doctor, a mother who raised three children, and a woman who navigated a very public heartbreak with grace.
Her decision to live a private life today is not a retreat, but a choice. It is a return to the values she held dear in Parkdale: family, dignity, and hard work. While she may not be on our television screens, Diane Plese remains a fascinating figure of strength and resilience.
FAQs About Diane Plese
Is Diane Plese a medical doctor?
Diane Plese is an optometrist (OD), who is a doctor of optometry. She is an eye care professional but not a medical doctor (MD) or ophthalmologist, though some sources confuse these titles.
How long were Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec married?
They were married for 24 years, from 1990 until their separation in 2014. Their divorce was finalized in 2016.
Did Diane Plese remarry?
As of 2024, there is no public record or evidence suggesting that Diane Plese has remarried. She maintains a very private life.
What is Diane Plese’s nationality?
Diane is Canadian. She was born in Toronto to Croatian parents.
How much did Diane get in the divorce settlement?
Court documents indicate Diane received a total of approximately $25 million, which included equalization payments and property assets.
Does Diane Plese have social media?
No. Diane does not have public Instagram, Twitter (X), or Facebook accounts.
How many children does Diane Plese have?
She has three adult children with Robert Herjavec: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice.
Did Diane Plese work while married to Robert?
Yes. Diane worked as an optometrist throughout the early years of their marriage, and her income supported the family while Robert launched his first business.
Where does Diane Plese live now?
She continues to reside in Toronto, Canada.
Why did Diane and Robert divorce?
While they have not released a joint statement detailing the specific cause, they grew apart as Robert’s fame increased. Diane was quoted as saying she could “no longer live with him,” and Robert admitted they drifted apart.
