Diane Plese: The Private Life of a Canadian Optometrist and Former Celebrity Spouse

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Table of Contents

Introduction

In a world where celebrity relationships often dominate headlines, some individuals prefer to maintain privacy despite public attention. One such figure is Diane Plese, a Canadian optometrist best known for her long marriage to entrepreneur and television personality Robert Herjavec. While Herjavec became internationally recognized as a star investor on Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den, Diane Plese chose a quieter and more reserved life.

Although she gained public attention through her marriage and high-profile divorce, Diane Plese’s life story extends far beyond that relationship. She is a trained medical professional who built her own career before becoming associated with celebrity culture. This article explores her early life, education, professional journey, marriage, family life, divorce settlement, and life after public scrutiny.

Early Life and Background

Diane Plese was born in 1959 in Parkdale, Toronto, Canada. She was raised in a family of Croatian descent, as her parents immigrated to Canada before her birth. Growing up in Toronto, she experienced a culturally rich environment shaped by immigrant values, strong family ties, and educational ambition.

While detailed information about her childhood remains limited, it is clear that she was academically focused from a young age. Her upbringing emphasized discipline and professional development, factors that later influenced her decision to pursue a career in healthcare.

Education and Career in Optometry

Diane Plese pursued higher education in the late 1970s and eventually trained as an optometrist. Optometry is a specialized healthcare profession focused on diagnosing and treating vision problems and maintaining eye health. By the early 1980s, she had completed her training and established herself as a licensed optometrist in Toronto.

Before meeting Robert Herjavec, Diane was already professionally established. She operated her own optometry practice, where she provided eye examinations, prescribed corrective lenses, and managed patient care. Her career required technical expertise, patient communication skills, and business management abilities.

Her professional identity is significant because it demonstrates that she was financially independent and career-oriented prior to her high-profile marriage. Unlike many individuals who become known solely through celebrity relationships, Diane Plese built her own professional foundation.

Meeting Robert Herjavec

Diane Plese met Robert Herjavec in the late 1980s when he visited her clinic for an eye appointment. At the time, Herjavec was building his career in the technology industry. Their meeting quickly developed into a romantic relationship, and they married in 1990.

Their wedding ceremony was held at a Croatian church in Mississauga, reflecting their shared cultural background. The early years of their marriage coincided with Herjavec’s rapid business growth. He founded BRAK Systems, which he later sold for millions of dollars, and subsequently launched The Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity company.

As Herjavec’s public visibility increased, particularly after joining Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, Diane found herself connected to the world of television fame and entrepreneurship.

Family Life and Children

Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec had three children together:

Brendan Herjavec, born in 1993
Skye Herjavec, born in 1996
Caprice Herjavec, born in 1998

During their marriage, Diane played a central role in raising their children. Reports indicate that she gradually stepped back from her professional practice to focus on family life. This decision reflected a traditional partnership dynamic, where one spouse managed household responsibilities while the other pursued intensive business growth.

Despite Herjavec’s growing celebrity status, the family attempted to maintain a relatively stable and private household environment.

High-Profile Divorce

After more than 24 years of marriage, Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec separated in 2014. Divorce proceedings began in 2015 and were finalized in 2016. The case attracted significant media coverage due to Herjavec’s public status and financial success.

The divorce settlement reportedly included approximately $25 million awarded to Diane, along with property division and spousal support arrangements. Canadian family law considers factors such as length of marriage, contributions to family life, and financial dependency when determining settlements.

Although financial details were widely discussed in media outlets, Diane Plese largely avoided public commentary about the separation. She maintained privacy and refrained from engaging in public disputes.

Life After Divorce

Following the divorce, Diane returned to a quiet life in Toronto. She does not maintain public social media accounts and rarely appears in interviews. Unlike many former celebrity spouses who leverage publicity for business opportunities, she chose discretion.

Meanwhile, Robert Herjavec later remarried professional dancer Kym Johnson, whom he met during his participation in Dancing with the Stars. Diane Plese did not publicly comment on this development and remained focused on her own private life.

Her children have pursued independent careers. Skye Herjavec has worked in finance and investment roles, Caprice Herjavec has been involved in consulting and athletics, and Brendan Herjavec has pursued business-related interests.

Financial Standing and Net Worth

Exact figures regarding Diane Plese’s net worth vary across sources. While some estimates suggest substantial wealth due to the divorce settlement, official financial records are private. The combination of her professional career and settlement likely ensures long-term financial stability.

However, it is important to note that speculative net worth figures are not always verified. Diane Plese herself has not publicly discussed financial matters.

Public Image and Media Attention

Diane Plese is often described as reserved, professional, and family-oriented. Unlike her former husband, who built a brand around public speaking and television appearances, she maintained distance from celebrity culture.

Her limited media presence has contributed to a somewhat mysterious public image. Yet this privacy may also reflect intentional boundaries designed to protect personal well-being.

Lessons from Her Story

Diane Plese’s life illustrates several important themes:

Professional independence prior to marriage
The complexities of balancing career and family
The legal realities of long-term marriage and divorce
The importance of privacy in an era of constant media exposure

Her experience also highlights how individuals connected to public figures often face attention they did not actively seek.

Conclusion

Diane Plese is more than simply the former wife of a television investor. She is a trained optometrist who built her own career before becoming associated with celebrity life. Her marriage to Robert Herjavec brought public recognition, but her professional background and family role shaped her identity long before that relationship.

Following her high-profile divorce, she chose privacy rather than publicity. Her story demonstrates resilience, discretion, and the ability to navigate personal transitions without seeking public validation.

In a culture that often equates fame with influence, Diane Plese represents an alternative path—one defined by professional competence, family dedication, and personal privacy.