EvelynDiane Plese, a successful optometrist from Toronto, Canada, is widely known for her marriage to Robert Herjavec, a prominent Canadian businessman and television personality. While she has largely remained out of the public eye after her divorce in 2015, Diane’s story is one of dedication to her career, family, and personal growth. In this article, we’ll explore her early life, career, marriage to Robert, life after divorce, and how she has made her mark, not only as the ex-wife of a famous businessman but as an accomplished individual in her own right.
Diane Plese’s Early Years
Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in the Parkdale neighborhood, an area known for its diversity and vibrant community. Her parents, who emigrated from Croatia, played a significant role in shaping her identity. Diane’s Croatian heritage was a vital part of her upbringing, and it was a point of connection when she met Robert Herjavec, as both shared a similar cultural background.
From a young age, Diane showed a strong interest in the medical field. Her academic journey led her to pursue studies in medicine, but she eventually shifted her focus to optometry, the branch of healthcare dedicated to eye care and vision. Diane’s decision to specialize in optometry marked the beginning of a successful and fulfilling career, where she would go on to help countless patients achieve and maintain healthy vision.
Diane Plese’s Career
Diane’s decision to become an optometrist was rooted in her desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. After completing her studies in optometry, Diane began her practice as an eye doctor, offering services such as eye exams, diagnosing vision problems, and prescribing corrective lenses. Her work quickly earned her a reputation for being a skilled and compassionate optometrist, and she built a successful career in the field.
Throughout her career, Diane remained committed to providing the highest standard of care to her patients. She was not only dedicated to improving her patients’ vision but also to their overall eye health, diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, and offering treatments or referrals as needed.
Despite her professional success, Diane chose to maintain a relatively low profile. Unlike many of her peers in the medical field, she did not seek media attention or pursue a public career. Diane’s passion for optometry and her dedication to her patients were the driving forces behind her professional life, and she found fulfillment in the work she did every day.
Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec’s Relationship
Diane’s relationship with Robert Herjavec is perhaps the most well-known aspect of her life, as it intertwines with Robert’s rise to fame. The two first met in the early 1990s when Robert was a patient at Diane’s optometry clinic. Their connection was immediate, not only because of their professional relationship but also due to their shared Croatian heritage. Over time, their bond grew stronger, and they began dating.
In 1990, Diane and Robert tied the knot, beginning a 25-year marriage that would see them through both joyous moments and personal challenges. The couple went on to have three children—Brendan, Skye, and Caprice—and built a family life that seemed to embody the American dream.
During their marriage, Diane was a devoted wife and mother. She put her family at the forefront of her life, making sure to create a stable and loving environment for their children. While Robert was busy with his growing business ventures, including the creation and eventual sale of BRAK Systems, Diane focused on maintaining a healthy family dynamic, often supporting Robert in his professional endeavors from behind the scenes.
Challenges in Diane and Robert’s Marriage
Though Diane and Robert’s marriage appeared to be the picture of success, their relationship faced significant challenges over the years. One of the major turning points in their marriage came when Robert’s affair became public knowledge, a revelation that shattered the trust between them. Diane, who valued honesty and trust in her relationships, found it difficult to move forward after this betrayal.
While they attempted to salvage their marriage, the strain of Robert’s infidelity ultimately led to their decision to divorce in 2015. The divorce marked the end of a 25-year relationship and was a difficult process for both parties, particularly when it came to dividing their wealth and assets. The couple’s financial settlement became a focal point of the media, as Robert was a successful entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $300 million at the time.
Her Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Diane chose to step away from the public spotlight and focus on her personal well-being. Despite her ex-husband’s continued media presence—Robert remarried his “Dancing with the Stars” partner Kym Johnson shortly after the divorce—Diane remained determined to live a private life, away from the constant scrutiny of the media.
While Robert continued to grow his business empire, Diane focused on herself, maintaining a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. She took the time to reflect, heal, and find new avenues for personal growth. Her divorce settlement, which gave her financial security, allowed her to live comfortably without the need for further public exposure. Although Diane has remained out of the public eye, her ability to move forward with strength and resilience speaks volumes about her character.
Diane Plese’s Net Worth
Diane Plese’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, primarily due to her divorce settlement with Robert Herjavec. The couple’s divorce split Robert’s estimated $300 million fortune, with Diane receiving a significant portion. This financial security has allowed Diane to enjoy a life of comfort, independent of the media frenzy that often surrounds her ex-husband.
Despite her wealth, Diane has chosen to remain private about her financial matters. She does not actively seek attention, and her net worth, while impressive, is not something she flaunts. Instead, Diane has maintained a low-key lifestyle, continuing to live in Toronto, where she focuses on her well-being and her family.
Diane Plese’s Children
Diane and Robert’s three children, Brendan, Skye, and Caprice, have each chosen their own paths in life. While the family was closely watched by the media during the height of Robert’s fame, each of the children has largely avoided the public eye, preferring to live life out of the spotlight.
- Brendan Herjavec: As the oldest child, Brendan has kept a low profile, and not much is known about his career or personal life. Like his mother, Brendan values privacy and avoids the media attention that comes with being part of such a high-profile family.
- Skye Herjavec: Skye, born in 1996, has made a name for herself as an entrepreneur. She has successfully opened multiple Lululemon pop-up stores in Ontario and has an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2024. Skye’s entrepreneurial ventures have shown her drive and ambition, as she carves out her own path 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. Caprice was also involved in rowing during her time at Columbia University and has appeared in several TV shows, showcasing her diverse interests and talents.
Something About Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec, Diane’s ex-husband, is an entrepreneur and television personality known for his role as a judge on the TV series Shark Tank and his position as CEO of The Herjavec Group, a global cybersecurity company. Born in Croatia in 1962, Robert emigrated to Canada and eventually became a highly successful businessman.
His wealth and business acumen were further bolstered by the sale of BRAK Systems for $30.2 million and his ongoing success in the tech and cybersecurity industries. Robert’s fame grew as he appeared on Shark Tank, where he became a well-known investor and mentor for entrepreneurs. His personal life, including his relationship with Diane and subsequent remarriage to Kym Johnson, has also attracted significant attention from the public.
Diane Plese’s Life Now
As of 2024, Diane Plese continues to live a private life, staying out of the media spotlight. While Robert has continued to expand his business and personal brand, Diane seems content with her quiet lifestyle, enjoying the privacy she has so fiercely protected since her divorce.
Diane’s focus now is on her family, personal happiness, and maintaining the independence she gained after the divorce. She has not sought a public career post-divorce, preferring instead to live life on her own terms.
Final Thoughts
Diane Plese’s life is a testament to resilience and personal growth. From her early years as an optometrist to her high-profile marriage with Robert Herjavec and the challenges she faced in their divorce, Diane has shown remarkable strength. Today, with a net worth of over $100 million, Diane continues to live a peaceful life, focused on her personal well-being and her family. Her story highlights the importance of independence, self-care, and the ability to navigate both personal and professional challenges with grace.
FAQs
- How much money did Diane get after her divorce?
Diane’s net worth is estimated at over $100 million, primarily due to the divorce settlement from Robert Herjavec. - How long were Diane and Robert married?
Diane and Robert were married for 25 years, from 1990 to 2015. - What is Diane Plese doing now?
Diane is living a private life after her divorce, focusing on her family and personal well-being. - Does Diane Plese have children?
Yes, Diane and Robert have three children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice.
