Jill Diven is a name that often comes up when people talk about the personal life of comedian and actor Brad Garrett, best known for his role as Robert Barone on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. However, reducing Jill Diven’s identity to just being Brad Garrett’s ex-wife does not do justice to the complete story of her life. Her journey is one of resilience, sacrifice, and personal growth.
From her humble beginnings as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas to being thrust into the Hollywood spotlight after her marriage to Garrett, Jill’s life has been full of highs and lows that reflect the challenges of living under public scrutiny. What makes her story so compelling is not just her connection to fame, but how she navigated love, marriage, divorce, motherhood, and privacy with dignity and strength. In this article, we will explore Jill Diven’s life in depth, highlighting her early years, marriage, divorce, settlement, children, career, and where she is today.
Details Summary: Jill Diven
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Jill Diven |
Date of Birth | June 14, 1969 (some sources say 1964) |
Age (2025) | 56 or 61 |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Former Cocktail Waitress, Producer |
Famous For | Ex-wife of Brad Garrett |
Marriage | Brad Garrett (1999–2007) |
Children | Maxwell Bradley Garrett, Hope Violet Garrett |
Current Status | Private life, not remarried |
Early Life and Background
Jill Diven was born on June 14, 1969, though some sources suggest her year of birth as 1964, which would make her either in her mid-50s or early 60s as of 2025. Details about her childhood, family background, and upbringing remain scarce, as Jill has always preferred to live a quiet and private life, far away from the constant gaze of the media. What is known, however, is that before she became associated with Hollywood fame, Jill was living an ordinary life and working as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas.
This part of her journey shaped her resilience and grounded personality, teaching her the value of hard work and independence. Even though she did not grow up in the spotlight, her humble beginnings prepared her for the challenges that later came with being connected to a famous entertainer.
Jill Diven and Brad Garrett – Love Story and Marriage
The love story between Jill Diven and Brad Garrett began in the late 1990s, when Jill was working in Las Vegas. Brad, already a rising figure in the entertainment world, met her during this period, and their relationship quickly grew serious. In a moment that many fans remember, Brad Garrett proposed to Jill on the set of Everybody Loves Raymond in 1998, in front of cast and crew.
The proposal highlighted not only his romantic side but also the public nature of their relationship, which immediately brought Jill into the spotlight. The couple tied the knot on May 18, 1999, officially beginning their life together as husband and wife.
While their marriage was filled with happy moments, the challenges of living with fame and the constant demands of Hollywood placed stress on their relationship. Jill, who valued privacy, suddenly found herself in the middle of media attention, which often overshadowed her own personal identity.
Children and Family Life
One of the most important chapters of Jill Diven’s life was becoming a mother. She and Brad Garrett welcomed two children together, their son Maxwell Bradley Garrett in 1999 and their daughter Hope Violet Garrett in 2000. Raising their children became the central focus of Jill’s life, and she was committed to providing them with a grounded upbringing despite their father’s celebrity status.
Both Jill and Brad made conscious decisions to protect their children’s privacy, keeping them away from the constant media spotlight. Even after their divorce, Jill and Brad remained dedicated to co-parenting, ensuring that their children would grow up with love and stability.
Brad often shared glimpses of his admiration for his kids on social media, celebrating their milestones, while Jill stayed mostly private but equally devoted to her role as a mother. Parenting became the one bond that continued to unite Jill and Brad even after their separation, reflecting the maturity and strength of their shared commitment.
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Struggles in Marriage and Divorce
Behind the scenes, Jill Diven and Brad Garrett’s marriage faced significant challenges. While Brad was enjoying massive success on Everybody Loves Raymond, their relationship was reportedly strained by the pressures of fame, differences in lifestyle, and personal struggles.
In his autobiography published in 2015, Brad admitted that he was not always a faithful husband and that there was apathy on both sides of the marriage. Jill, who valued loyalty and stability, found herself struggling to maintain a marriage that no longer reflected her ideals.
In August 2006, Jill filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. By April 2006, they had already separated, and the divorce was finalized in November 2007. The end of their marriage made headlines, but both Jill and Brad handled it with maturity, publicly acknowledging that while their romantic relationship was over, their friendship and commitment to co-parenting would remain intact.
Divorce Settlement and Financial Support
The divorce settlement between Jill Diven and Brad Garrett attracted media attention due to its financial details. Jill was awarded $35,000 per month in spousal support, which was scheduled to continue until the end of 2018 or until she remarried, whichever came first.
She also received a substantial portion of Brad’s assets, including half of the profits from Everybody Loves Raymond, half of his retirement accounts, and half of the proceeds from the sale of their Hidden Hills home. In addition to spousal support, Brad was ordered to pay $20,000 per month in child support—$7,400 for their son Maxwell and $12,600 for their daughter Hope—until they turned 19 or graduated from high school.
These arrangements ensured that Jill and her children would live comfortably, even though Jill herself has never publicly revealed her net worth. The settlement gave her financial independence, allowing her to focus on raising her children and building her own life.
Career and Contributions to Entertainment
While Jill Diven is primarily known for her marriage to Brad Garrett, she also explored her own path in the entertainment industry. She has been credited as a producer and actress in certain projects, though her work was not as widely publicized as Brad’s. Jill’s contributions often reflected her personal experiences, and she showed creativity in the projects she took on.
Her behind-the-scenes involvement in entertainment demonstrated that she was not just a passive partner to a celebrity but an individual with her own talents and aspirations. Although she has not maintained a highly visible career in Hollywood, her ability to adapt and contribute speaks to her determination to establish an identity independent of her ex-husband.
Life After Divorce – Moving Forward
After her divorce, Jill Diven chose to step back from the limelight and live a more private life. Unlike Brad, who remarried IsaBeall Quella in 2021, Jill has not remarried and has instead focused on her children and her personal journey. This decision to keep a low profile reflects her preference for privacy and her desire to live a life that is not defined by her past marriage.
While Brad continues to make appearances in the entertainment world, Jill has embraced a quieter existence, balancing professional interests with her responsibilities as a mother. Her post-divorce journey illustrates how one can rebuild their life with strength and independence, even after facing significant challenges.
Jill Diven in the Public Eye
During her marriage and divorce, Jill Diven received considerable media attention. However, she rarely gave interviews or sought publicity for herself. Most of what the public knows about her comes from Brad Garrett’s statements in interviews and his autobiography, where he candidly discussed the reasons behind their failed marriage.
The media often painted Jill as the quieter, private counterpart to Brad’s public persona, but those who know her understand that she is a resilient woman with her own story. Her choice to remain private has actually enhanced her dignity, as she has avoided the drama that often surrounds celebrity divorces. Instead, Jill allowed her character and her devotion to her children to define her public image.
Jill Diven’s Lessons and Legacy
Jill Diven’s life offers several valuable lessons. Her resilience in facing the collapse of her marriage and her ability to rebuild her life highlight the importance of inner strength. She demonstrated that women can carve out their own identities, even when initially known for their association with a famous partner.
Her co-parenting with Brad Garrett stands as a powerful example of prioritizing children above personal conflicts, showing that mutual respect can exist even after a marriage ends. Jill’s story is also about empowerment—she proved that financial settlements, while significant, are not what define a person’s worth; rather, it is how one uses their independence to build a fulfilling life.
Where is Jill Diven Now?
As of 2025, Jill Diven continues to live a private life in the United States. She has not remarried and remains focused on her children, who are now adults building their own futures. While she avoids the public eye, she occasionally becomes the subject of curiosity because of her connection to Brad Garrett, who remains active in entertainment.
Compared to Brad’s high-profile remarriage, Jill’s choice to live quietly reflects her personal values. She is believed to be financially secure thanks to her divorce settlement and maintains a comfortable lifestyle while prioritizing family. Her story remains an inspiration for many who value privacy, strength, and independence.
Jill Diven Net Worth (2025)
Jill Diven’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million. While the exact figure has never been made public, most of her wealth comes from her divorce settlement with Brad Garrett in 2007. The agreement included monthly spousal support, child support, and a share of Brad’s Everybody Loves Raymond profits and assets. Thanks to this settlement, Jill has enjoyed long-term financial stability. By comparison, her ex-husband Brad Garrett has an estimated net worth of around $50 million.
Conclusion
The story of Jill Diven is a reminder that life in the public eye often comes with hidden struggles. From her beginnings in Las Vegas to her marriage with Brad Garrett, motherhood, divorce, and eventual independence, Jill’s life showcases resilience and strength. She chose dignity over drama, privacy over fame, and motherhood over publicity, making her journey both inspiring and empowering.
While Brad Garrett continues to live in the spotlight, Jill’s quieter life reflects the grace of someone who knows her worth and finds fulfillment outside of fame. Her journey demonstrates that stepping back from the spotlight does not mean fading away—it means creating space for true growth, balance, and self-discovery.
FAQs About Jill Diven
1. Who is Jill Diven?
Jill Diven is best known as the ex-wife of comedian and actor Brad Garrett, star of Everybody Loves Raymond. Beyond her marriage, she is a devoted mother of two and has also contributed to the entertainment industry.
2. When was Jill Diven born?
Jill Diven was born on June 14, 1969, though some sources list her birth year as 1964. As of 2025, she is either 56 or 61 years old, depending on the correct year.
3. How many children does Jill Diven have?
Jill Diven has two children with Brad Garrett: a son, Maxwell Bradley Garrett, born in 1999, and a daughter, Hope Violet Garrett, born in 2000.
4. Why did Jill Diven and Brad Garrett divorce?
The couple divorced in 2007 after Jill filed in 2006, citing irreconcilable differences. Brad later admitted to infidelity and emotional distance in their marriage, which contributed to the split.
5. Where is Jill Diven now?
As of 2025, Jill Diven lives a private life in the United States. She has not remarried and prefers to stay out of the public spotlight, focusing on her children and personal growth.