Robert Herjavec, known for his appearances on Shark Tank, is one of the most well-known entrepreneurs and television personalities in America. While his business success and charismatic television presence are public knowledge, his personal life has often been under scrutiny, especially his relationships. This article focuses on Robert Herjavec’s first wife, Diane Plese, exploring her background, career, and life before and after her marriage to the entrepreneur.
- Quick Bio
- Early Life Background
- Childhood in Toronto, Canada
- Family Roots and Croatian Heritage
- Education and Early Academic Years
- Career as an Optometrist
- Choosing a Medical Path
- Building a Professional Practice in Canada
- Diane Plese’s Reputation as an Eye Doctor
- Personal Life Marriage
- Meeting Robert Herjavec
- The Wedding and Early Years Together
- Balancing Family and Career
- Family Life
- Becoming a Mother
- Parenting Approach and Values
- Relationship with Her Children Today
- Divorce from Robert Herjavec
- Life After Divorce
- Relationship with Ex-Husband Robert Herjavec
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diane Plese |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Croatian-American |
| Profession | Optometrist |
| Spouse | Robert Herjavec (married in 1990, divorced in 2014) |
| Children | Two children |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Canada |
| Education | University graduate in optometry |
| Current Life | Private lifestyle, professional optometrist |
Early Life Background

Diane Plese was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Her upbringing was shaped by her strong family roots and Croatian heritage. Raised in a community where family traditions were central, Diane’s values and strong work ethic were instilled from a young age. Her parents placed a significant emphasis on education and the importance of pursuing one’s passion, which undoubtedly influenced her career choices later in life.
Childhood in Toronto, Canada
Growing up in Toronto, Diane was immersed in a multicultural environment. Toronto offered a rich blend of cultures, which helped shape her worldview. Her family emphasised the importance of respecting cultural differences and learning from each other’s backgrounds. This influence played a key role in Diane’s development, both personally and professionally. Diane also maintained a close-knit relationship with her community, which was vital in nurturing her confidence and ambition throughout her childhood.
Family Roots and Croatian Heritage
Diane’s Croatian heritage was a significant part of her identity. Growing up in a family with deep ties to Croatian culture, she learnt the value of community and the importance of family bonds. These cultural values guided her throughout her life, shaping her views on relationships, work ethic, and personal integrity. Diane’s Croatian background also influenced her desire to succeed in her professional career and become a role model for others.
Education and Early Academic Years

Diane’s journey into the world of optometry began with her educational pursuits. She excelled in her academics, ultimately earning a degree in optometry from a prestigious university. Her academic excellence set the stage for her future career in the medical field, and her commitment to helping others began to take shape. Throughout her educational years, Diane’s passion for eye care and health became clear, as she worked hard to develop the necessary skills to build a successful practice.
Career as an Optometrist
After completing her education, Diane quickly transitioned into her professional career as an optometrist. She opened her own practice in Canada, establishing a reputation for providing quality care to her patients. As a female optometrist in a competitive field, Diane faced challenges but was determined to succeed. She built a loyal clientele and became well-regarded in the medical community for her expertise and compassion.
Choosing a Medical Path
Diane’s decision to pursue a career in optometry was driven by her deep desire to help others. She found the medical field to be a perfect fit for her personality, combining both science and a personal connection with patients. Despite challenges faced by women in a male-dominated industry, Diane persevered, carving a path for herself and gaining recognition for her exceptional skills. Her determination and hard work laid the foundation for a successful career.
Building a Professional Practice in Canada

Diane’s optometry practice in Canada quickly gained recognition for its high standard of care and patient-centred approach. By building a reputation based on trust and professionalism, she developed a loyal client base. Diane’s business acumen, combined with her expertise in optometry, allowed her to grow her practice successfully over the years. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her practice remained at the forefront of the industry, constantly adapting to the latest technological advancements in eye care.
Diane Plese’s Reputation as an Eye Doctor
Throughout her career, Diane’s reputation as a trusted eye doctor grew. She was known for her meticulous approach to patient care and her commitment to delivering the best possible service. Her patients appreciated her empathetic demeanour and her ability to communicate complex medical information in an understandable way. Diane’s professional reputation earned her respect among her peers and solidified her place in the medical community.
Personal Life Marriage
Diane met Robert Herjavec in the early years of her career. At the time, Robert was building his own business empire, and the two connected over their shared values and ambition. Their relationship grew, and they married in 1990. The couple had a strong partnership, both personally and professionally, and they began building their family while balancing their growing careers.
Meeting Robert Herjavec

The story of how Diane Plese and Robert Herjavec met is a testament to their mutual respect and shared values. They crossed paths at a time when both were focused on building their careers. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a wedding in the early ‘90s. As a couple, they shared a strong bond, rooted in mutual admiration and a desire to support each other’s ambitions.
The Wedding and Early Years Together
Their wedding marked the beginning of a long chapter in both their lives. The early years of their marriage were filled with excitement and challenges as they both pursued their respective careers. Robert’s business ventures were beginning to take off, and Diane was establishing herself as a successful optometrist. Together, they worked hard to balance their personal and professional lives, making their family a priority while also nurturing their careers.
Balancing Family and Career
One of the key challenges Diane faced during her marriage to Robert was balancing her optometry career with her responsibilities as a mother and wife. The couple worked hard to maintain a stable family life, despite their busy careers. Diane’s commitment to both her family and her profession is a testament to her work ethic and dedication. She raised two children while maintaining a successful medical practice, demonstrating her ability to manage multiple roles with grace.
Family Life
Diane and Robert’s family life was built on a foundation of love and respect. They were parents to two children, and despite the demands of their careers, family remained a top priority. Diane played a central role in raising their children, ensuring they were provided with a nurturing and stable environment. The couple made efforts to ensure that their children had the opportunity to grow up with strong values and a sense of balance, despite the pressures of their public and professional lives.
Becoming a Mother
Becoming a mother was a defining moment in Diane’s life. She embraced the responsibilities of motherhood with dedication and care. Her approach to parenting was shaped by her own upbringing, where family values were emphasised. Diane’s journey into motherhood was marked by her commitment to raising her children with love, discipline, and a strong moral foundation.
Parenting Approach and Values
Diane’s parenting philosophy was rooted in fostering independence, emotional health, and resilience in her children. She believed in encouraging her children to pursue their passions while also teaching them the importance of empathy, responsibility, and respect. Her approach was to provide a loving and supportive environment while also preparing her children to face the challenges of life with confidence.
Relationship with Her Children Today
Diane’s relationship with her children remains strong as they have grown older. She continues to be an influential figure in their lives, offering guidance and support as they navigate adulthood. Diane has worked hard to maintain an open, communicative relationship with her children, ensuring they know they can rely on her for advice and encouragement.
Divorce from Robert Herjavec
After more than two decades of marriage, Diane and Robert’s relationship ended in 2014. The reasons behind their divorce were personal and complex, and while details are private, it is clear that the separation was difficult for both parties. Despite the emotional toll, Diane has remained focused on her personal growth and her family since the divorce.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Diane chose to lead a private life, stepping away from the media spotlight. She continued her career as an optometrist, maintaining her professional reputation while focusing on her family. Diane embraced this new phase of her life, finding peace in her professional achievements and personal fulfilment.
Relationship with Ex-Husband Robert Herjavec
Despite their separation, Diane and Robert maintain a respectful relationship, particularly when it comes to co-parenting their children. They have managed to work
work together for the benefit of their children, ensuring that both parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Their ability to maintain a civil relationship is a testament to their commitment to their children’s well-being.
FAQs
- Who is Robert Herjavec’s first wife?
Robert Herjavec’s first wife is Diane Plese, a Canadian optometrist who was married to him for over 20 years. - How many children do Robert and Diane have?
Diane and Robert have two children together. - What is Diane Plese’s career?
Diane is a professional optometrist with a successful practice in Canada. - When did Robert and Diane get divorced?
Robert and Diane divorced in 2014, after being married for over two decades. - What is Diane Plese’s current lifestyle?
Diane has chosen to maintain a private, low-profile lifestyle after her divorce while continuing her career as an optometrist.
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