Diane Plese is currently 65 years old, having been born in 1959 in the Parkdale neighborhood of Toronto, Canada. As a professional optometrist and the former wife of Shark Tank star and technology mogul Robert Herjavec, Diane Plese has navigated a life that transitioned from a private medical career to high-profile media scrutiny and back to a reserved, independent existence.

Despite her decades-long association with one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, Plese has consistently prioritized her professional identity and the stability of her family over the allure of the spotlight. In 2024 and heading into 2025, she remains a figure of public interest not just for her past marriage, but for her role as a mother to three successful adult children and her commitment to a private life in Toronto.

Detailed Age and Early Life Background

Diane Plese was born in 1959, which makes her 65 years old in 2024. Depending on her specific birth month, she will turn 66 in 2025 and 67 in 2026. Her roots are deeply embedded in the immigrant experience of mid-20th-century Canada. Born to Croatian parents who moved to North America in search of better opportunities, she was raised in Parkdale, a diverse and multicultural area of Toronto.

The upbringing of Diane Plese was characterized by the traditional values often found in Croatian-immigrant households: a strong work ethic, emphasis on education, and deep-seated family loyalty. Growing up in Toronto during the 1960s and 1970s, she witnessed the city’s transformation into a global financial hub, an environment that likely influenced her later professional ambitions. Her parents' journey as immigrants provided a foundational narrative of resilience that she would later draw upon during the more turbulent periods of her adult life.

Academic Pursuit and Professional Career in Optometry

Long before she became a household name through her marriage, Diane Plese established herself as a competent professional in the field of healthcare. Education was a primary focus during her youth, leading her to pursue a degree in science followed by specialized training in optometry.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Plese attended optometry school, a rigorous path that required not only clinical precision but also a commitment to patient care. By the mid-1980s, she had become a licensed optometrist in Ontario. Optometry in Canada is a highly regulated profession, and Plese was known for maintaining high standards in her practice.

She opened her own optometry clinic in Toronto, where she specialized in comprehensive eye exams, vision correction, and the diagnosis of ocular health issues. Her career was not merely a job but a source of personal independence. Even as her then-husband Robert Herjavec’s net worth began to climb into the millions, Plese continued to practice, often being described as a grounded and diligent healthcare provider who preferred the clinical setting to the social galas often associated with her husband’s rising status.

The Marriage with Robert Herjavec: 1990 to 2014

The relationship between Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec began in a setting that perfectly encapsulated her professional life. In 1988, Robert, then a young and ambitious immigrant from the former Yugoslavia working to establish his first technology company, visited Plese’s clinic for a routine eye appointment.

The connection was immediate. Robert has often spoken in early interviews about being drawn to Diane’s intelligence and her calm, stabilizing presence. They shared a common cultural heritage, with both families hailing from Croatia, which provided a shared language and set of values. The couple married in 1990 at a Croatian church in Ontario, a ceremony that honored their roots.

During the 24 years of their marriage, Diane was the silent architect of the family’s domestic stability while Robert focused on building BRAK Systems and later The Herjavec Group. As Robert became a recognizable face on television—first on Dragons' Den and later on the American hit Shark Tank—Diane mostly remained in the background. While she occasionally appeared at public events and in home-focused magazine features, she never fully embraced the celebrity lifestyle, preferring to manage their household in Toronto and continue her involvement in her medical practice and various philanthropic efforts.

Raising the Herjavec Children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice

One of the most significant aspects of Diane Plese’s life is her role as a mother to her three children. Throughout the marriage and especially following the divorce, her primary focus has been the well-being and education of Brendan, Skye, and Caprice.

Brendan Herjavec

The eldest son, Brendan, has followed a path that reflects both his father’s business acumen and his mother’s disciplined approach to education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Wilfrid Laurier University before pursuing further studies in Behavioral Sciences at the Yale School of Management. He eventually completed an MBA at the University of British Columbia. Today, Brendan is a successful professional in revenue operations and business strategy, having moved away from the shadow of his father’s fame to build his own reputation.

Skye Herjavec

Skye Herjavec has also demonstrated a high level of academic and professional achievement. After attending Havergal College in Toronto, she moved to the United States to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California (USC). Her professional journey included a stint as an investment banking analyst at JPMorgan Chase, one of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions. Like her mother, Skye values her privacy and maintains a low profile on social media.

Caprice Herjavec

The youngest of the three, Caprice, was famously named "Mayor for a Day" in Toronto at the age of 14, showcasing her early engagement with her community. She attended Barnard College, where she was an active member of the rowing team. Following her graduation, she transitioned into a career in consulting, working for firms like Frederic W. Cook & Co. Caprice’s trajectory highlights the emphasis Diane placed on self-sufficiency and high achievement for all her children.

The High-Profile Divorce and Financial Settlement

The separation of Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec in July 2014 came as a shock to the Canadian public, as the couple had long been viewed as a model of stability. The divorce was finalized in 2016 and became a subject of significant media interest, particularly regarding the financial aspects and the emotional toll on the family.

The legal proceedings were complex. Given Robert Herjavec’s substantial wealth—estimated at several hundred million dollars—the division of assets was a major point of contention. According to public court records from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the settlement was substantial. Reports indicate that Diane Plese received a total settlement in the range of $25 million to $30 million.

The settlement included:

  • A $2.6 million equalization payment.
  • Monthly spousal support payments, which were initially set at $125,000 but were subject to later court adjustments.
  • Shares from the sale of various luxury real estate properties, including the family’s mansion in the Bridle Path neighborhood of Toronto.

Throughout the process, Diane Plese maintained a dignified silence, avoiding the tabloid-style interviews that often accompany celebrity breakups. Her only public comment regarding the split was a brief statement noting that the relationship had become untenable. The divorce was notably difficult for the children, with reports surfacing that they did not speak to their father for a period of time following the separation, though family dynamics have reportedly evolved in the years since.

Life After Divorce: Where is Diane Plese Now?

Since 2016, Diane Plese has successfully retreated into a life of total privacy. While Robert Herjavec remarried his Dancing with the Stars partner Kym Johnson and continued his television career, Diane chose a different path.

She continues to reside in Toronto, living in a more private but still luxurious capacity. There is conflicting information regarding whether she still actively practices optometry. Some reports suggest she retired shortly after the divorce settlement to focus on her family and personal interests, while others indicate she maintains her professional license but does not see patients on a full-time basis.

One of the most notable things about Diane Plese today is her complete absence from social media. In an era where many former celebrity spouses use their past associations to build personal brands or influencer careers, Plese has done the opposite. She does not have a public Instagram, Twitter (X), or LinkedIn account. Her "wealth" is now measured not just in the millions of dollars she received in her settlement, but in the peace and anonymity she has managed to reclaim.

Net Worth and Financial Stability in 2024

Estimating Diane Plese’s net worth in 2024 requires a look at her settlement and her career earnings. While some speculative websites list her net worth as high as $100 million, a more conservative estimate based on the confirmed divorce settlement and real estate assets puts her net worth between $25 million and $50 million.

This wealth is managed through private investments and her ownership of premium real estate in Canada. Her financial independence is a testament to both the legal protections of Canadian marriage laws and her own history as a career professional who understood the value of assets.

Summary of Key Facts

To summarize the life and status of Diane Plese:

  • Current Age: 65 (Born 1959).
  • Profession: Licensed Optometrist (University trained).
  • Heritage: Croatian-Canadian.
  • Marriage: Married Robert Herjavec from 1990 to 2014.
  • Children: Brendan, Skye, and Caprice Herjavec.
  • Residence: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Public Profile: Extremely private; avoids media and social media.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diane Plese

What is Diane Plese's age in 2024?

Diane Plese is 65 years old in 2024. She was born in 1959.

Why did Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec divorce?

The couple separated in 2014 after 24 years of marriage. Diane stated at the time that she could no longer live with him. While there were many rumors in the media, she never officially shared a specific single reason, choosing instead to keep the details of their private life confidential.

Does Diane Plese still work as an eye doctor?

While she was a highly respected optometrist for decades and ran her own clinic in Toronto, she has largely stepped away from full-time practice following her divorce and the resulting financial settlement.

How much did Diane Plese get in her divorce settlement?

Public court documents indicated a settlement that included an equalization payment of over $2.6 million, along with spousal support and a share of property sales, totaling an estimated $25 million to $30 million.

Is Diane Plese remarried?

There is no public record of Diane Plese remarrying. She has maintained a strictly private personal life since 2016 and does not appear in public with any romantic partners.

What are Diane Plese's children doing now?

All three of her children are successful professionals. Brendan works in business strategy, Skye has a background in investment banking, and Caprice works in consulting. They all graduated from top-tier universities.

Conclusion

Diane Plese’s story is one of professional achievement and personal resilience. While the public initially knew her only as the wife of a "Shark," her life is defined more by her decades of service as a healthcare professional and her dedication to raising a family away from the distractions of fame. At 65 years old, she stands as a successful individual who has successfully transitioned from a high-profile marriage into a life of quiet dignity and financial independence. Her choice to remain private in the digital age is perhaps her most significant statement, proving that for some, the greatest luxury is a life lived away from the cameras.