When Brad Garrett, famed for his role as Robert Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond, proposed to Jill Diven on the set of the show in 1998, it seemed like a dream come true. Yet, behind the fairy-tale proposal, their journey was filled with highs and lows that many people don’t know about. In this article, we’ll delve into Jill Diven’s life, her marriage to Brad Garrett, the challenges they faced, their divorce, and where she is today. Join us as we uncover the real story of Brad Garrett’s first wife.
Jill Diven Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jill Diven |
| Born | 1964 |
| Age (in 2025) | 61 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Profession | Cocktail Waitress, Former TV Spouse |
| Children | Maxwell Bradley Garrett, Hope Violet Garrett |
| Ex-Husband | Brad Garrett (Actor) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (2007) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at over $55,000/month in spousal support |
| Current Focus | Private life, raising children |
Early Life and Career of Jill Diven
Before she became known as the wife of actor Brad Garrett, Jill Diven led a private life. Born in 1964, she grew up away from the limelight, preferring a simple life far from the cameras. While details about her early life and family remain largely unknown, it’s clear that she wasn’t looking for fame. Jill worked as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas, leading an ordinary life like so many others.
Despite being thrust into the public eye after her marriage to Brad Garrett, Jill kept her personal life relatively quiet. Unlike other celebrity spouses, she didn’t pursue public appearances or media attention. She remained a private individual, which has contributed to the aura of mystery surrounding her today.
How Jill Diven Met Brad Garrett
Jill Diven’s path crossed with Brad Garrett’s in the late 1990s. At the time, Brad was already becoming a household name thanks to his role as Robert Barone on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. Jill was working as a waitress when they met, and their chemistry was undeniable. Within a few months of dating, Jill discovered she was pregnant with their first child. This unexpected news led to a whirlwind romance that changed both of their lives forever.
Brad, eager to build a family, wasted no time in proposing to Jill. In 1998, he popped the question on the Everybody Loves Raymond set, with cameras rolling and an audience watching. It was a bold move, but one that left a lasting impact on their relationship and their fans.
Jill Diven and Brad Garrett’s Wedding
In May 1999, Jill and Brad got married in a private ceremony, just a year after their whirlwind engagement. The couple quickly settled into family life, welcoming their first child, Maxwell Bradley Garrett, in 1999, followed by their second child, Hope Violet Garrett, in 2000.
During the early years of their marriage, the couple seemed to have it all — a growing family, a loving home, and Brad’s burgeoning career. As Brad became more popular on Everybody Loves Raymond, he received accolades and recognition, even earning awards for his performance as Robert Barone.
However, despite their happy public image, their relationship would face significant challenges that would eventually lead to a separation.
Life Behind the Scenes: The Impact of Fame on Their Marriage
While Brad Garrett’s career skyrocketed during the show’s run, Jill Diven kept a low profile, staying at home to care for their children. The pressure of Brad’s growing fame, coupled with the long hours spent on set, began to strain their marriage.
Brad Garrett, in his 2011 memoir, openly admitted that his marriage to Jill began to falter. He revealed that he wasn’t faithful during their relationship and that the emotional distance between them grew over time. Despite their efforts to keep the marriage intact for the sake of their children, it became clear that their relationship had reached its breaking point.
The Divorce: A Quiet Separation
In 2006, after nearly seven years of marriage, Jill and Brad separated quietly, away from the public eye. Their divorce, finalized in 2007, was not accompanied by the typical media frenzy that often follows celebrity breakups. Jill filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the cause of the split.
As part of the divorce settlement, Jill received a significant amount of financial support. This included monthly spousal support of $35,000, child support of $20,000 per month, and half of Brad’s earnings from Everybody Loves Raymond.
What Jill Diven Got in the Divorce
Following the divorce, Jill Diven’s financial settlement became public knowledge due to Brad’s high-profile status. Here’s a breakdown of what Jill received as part of the divorce agreement:
- Spousal Support: $35,000 per month (until 2018 or remarriage)
- Child Support: $20,000 per month for their two children
- Half of Brad’s Earnings: From his role on Everybody Loves Raymond
- Retirement Savings: Split equally between them
- Luxury Cars: A 2007 Mercedes and a 2005 Cadillac
- Real Estate: Half of the proceeds from the sale of their Hidden Hills home
Despite the public nature of the settlement, Jill maintained her privacy and never used the divorce or the financial settlement for personal gain.
Jill Diven’s Life After the Divorce
After her split from Brad Garrett, Jill Diven retreated from the public eye entirely. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives who capitalize on their fame, Jill chose to focus on her children and live a quiet, private life. There are no reports of her dating or remarrying after her divorce. She has remained out of the Hollywood spotlight, a decision that many people respect.
Jill’s focus has remained on raising her children, Maxwell and Hope, who have grown up away from the public eye. Brad Garrett, while continuing to stay close to his kids, has shared messages of love and support for them on social media, but Jill has maintained a strict boundary when it comes to her children’s privacy.
Co-Parenting with Brad Garrett
Despite the end of their marriage, Jill Diven and Brad Garrett have remained committed to co-parenting their children. They share joint legal and physical custody of Maxwell and Hope, ensuring that both parents are involved in their lives. Brad has often spoken about the importance of staying friends and co-parenting effectively.
In a public interview, Brad stated, “We will always be friends because we will never be single parents. We will always be two parents.” This cooperative approach to co-parenting has allowed their children to grow up in a loving and stable environment, away from the media circus that often surrounds celebrity families.
Where Is Jill Diven Now?
As of 2025, Jill Diven continues to live a quiet, private life. She has remained out of the spotlight, with no public appearances or interviews. There are no reports of her remarrying or dating, and she seems content with her life outside of Hollywood. Jill’s decision to stay away from fame and focus on her family speaks to her desire for privacy and normalcy.
Conclusion
Jill Diven’s story is more than just the tale of Brad Garrett’s first wife; it’s about resilience, privacy, and the strength to move on after a public marriage and divorce. Despite the challenges, Jill has remained dedicated to her children and her personal peace. Her choice to stay away from the media and live a quiet life post-divorce is a testament to her strength and commitment to her family.
FAQs
How much is Jill Diven’s net worth?
While her exact net worth isn’t publicly available, Jill Diven received significant financial support after her divorce, including monthly spousal and child support, which likely provides her with a comfortable life.
How tall is Jill Diven?
Jill Diven is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.
Where is Jill Diven today?
Jill lives a quiet life, raising her two children away from the public eye. She has not remarried and continues to stay out of the spotlight.
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