In the world of Hollywood, where fame and attention seem to be everything, some people choose a different path. Jill Diven is one of those people. While her name became known because of her marriage to Brad Garrett, the famous actor from “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Jill has always preferred to stay away from the spotlight.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Jill Diven |
|---|---|
| Born | 1964 |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Famous For | Ex-wife of actor Brad Garrett |
| Previous Job | Cocktail waitress in Las Vegas |
| Children | Two (Maxwell and Hope Garrett) |
| Marriage | 1999 to 2007 (with Brad Garrett) |
| Current Status | Living a private life |
Who is Jill Diven?
Jill Diven is an American woman who became known to the public because of her marriage to Brad Garrett, a famous comedian and actor. Brad is best known for playing Robert Barone on the popular TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond.” While many people recognize her name, Jill has always chosen to live a quiet and private life away from Hollywood’s bright lights.
Unlike many celebrity partners who enjoy fame, Jill never wanted to be in the spotlight. She worked as a regular person, raised her children with love, and stayed true to herself even when the world was watching her marriage.
Early Life and Career
Before Jill met Brad Garrett, she lived a simple life in America. She was born in 1964 and grew up away from the entertainment world. Not much is known about her childhood, family, or education because she has always kept these details private.
In the late 1990s, Jill worked as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas. This job was busy and challenging, as Las Vegas is a city full of tourists, gamblers, and entertainers. Working as a waitress helped Jill develop patience and the ability to handle pressure. These skills would later help her when she became part of a celebrity’s life.
Her job in Las Vegas is where her life changed completely. It was during this time that she met Brad Garrett, who would later become her husband.
Meeting Brad Garrett
Jill met Brad Garrett while she was working as a waitress in Las Vegas. At that time, Brad was becoming more popular as a comedian and actor. He was getting ready to star in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” which would make him a household name across America.
The two started dating, and their relationship moved quickly. Just three months after they began dating, Jill discovered she was pregnant with their first child. This news led the couple to make a big decision about their future together.
Marriage and Family Life
Brad Garrett proposed to Jill in a very public way. He asked her to marry him on the set of “Everybody Loves Raymond” in August 1998. His co-stars, the camera crew, and the studio audience all watched this special moment. It was a romantic gesture that showed how much Brad cared about Jill.
The couple got married on May 18, 1999, in California. Their wedding was a happy celebration, and they were excited to start their life together as a family.
During their marriage, Jill and Brad welcomed two children. Their son, Maxwell Bradley Garrett, was born in October 1998. Their daughter, Hope Violet Garrett, was born in January 2000. Jill became a full-time mother and homemaker, focusing all her energy on raising her children and creating a loving home.
While Brad’s career was taking off and he was winning awards for his acting, Jill stayed in the background. She attended some Hollywood events with her husband but never tried to build her own fame. She was happy being a wife and mother, supporting Brad from behind the scenes.
The Marriage Struggles
After about four years of marriage, things started to change between Jill and Brad. The pressures of Brad’s busy career, long working hours, and the challenges of family life began to affect their relationship.
In his book published in 2015, Brad spoke honestly about their marriage problems. He admitted that he was not a faithful husband and that both he and Jill became emotionally distant from each other. The love they once shared started to fade, and they both felt the marriage was not working anymore.
Brad described their situation as feeling like a long-distance marriage, even though they lived in the same house. They were decent people who cared about each other, but they realized they were not right for each other as husband and wife.
Divorce and Life After
In April 2006, Jill and Brad quietly separated. They kept the news private at first because they did not want their personal problems to become big headlines. They wanted to protect their children from media attention and handle things maturely.
Later, in November 2007, their divorce was officially completed. Jill was the one who filed for divorce. The reason given in court papers was “irreconcilable differences,” which simply means they could not fix their marriage problems.
Despite the divorce, Jill and Brad handled the situation with respect and kindness. There was no public fighting or drama. Both of them focused on what was best for their children.
As part of the divorce settlement, Jill received financial support. Brad paid $35,000 per month in spousal support until December 2018. He also paid child support for both children until they turned 19 or finished high school. The couple agreed to share joint custody of Maxwell and Hope, which meant both parents would continue raising them together.
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Co-Parenting and Friendship
One of the most admirable things about Jill and Brad’s divorce is how they remained friends. In interviews, both of them spoke kindly about each other.
Brad called Jill “an extraordinary woman” and “the greatest mom in the world.” Jill also had nice things to say about Brad, calling him her “best friend.”
They both agreed that their children were the most important priority. Brad said, “We will always be friends because we will never be single parents. We will always be two parents.”
This positive approach to co-parenting helped Maxwell and Hope grow up in a stable and loving environment, even though their parents were no longer married.
Life Today
Today, Jill Diven lives a very private life. She does not use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. She does not give interviews or make public appearances. This shows that she truly values her privacy and wants to live peacefully away from public attention.
Her children, Maxwell and Hope, are now adults. Both were born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, making them in their mid-twenties now. Like their mother, they keep a low profile and stay away from the spotlight. Brad occasionally posts birthday messages for them on his Instagram, showing his love and pride as a father.
While Jill has kept her life private, Brad moved on and found love again. He married IsaBeall Quella in November 2021. IsaBeall is 24 years younger than Brad, and the couple seems very happy together. They met in 2008 at an art gallery in Boston.
Jill’s Strength and Character
Jill Diven’s story shows great strength and character. She experienced a public marriage, a difficult divorce, and life in the spotlight, but she handled everything with dignity. She never spoke badly about her ex-husband, never sold stories to tabloids, and never used her connection to fame for personal gain.
Her choice to live privately after divorce shows that she knows what truly matters to her: family, peace, and personal happiness. She did not need Hollywood’s attention or approval. She simply wanted to be a good mother and live her life on her own terms.
Conclusion
Jill Diven may be known as Brad Garrett’s ex-wife, but her story is much more than that. She is a woman who worked hard, raised two children with love, handled divorce with grace, and chose peace over fame.
Her life reminds us that not everyone connected to celebrities wants to be in the spotlight. Some people prefer quiet happiness, strong family bonds, and simple living. Jill Diven chose that path, and she has lived it well.
Today, she continues to live privately, focusing on what matters most to her. Her story is one of strength, dignity, and the power of choosing your own path in life, no matter what others expect from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Jill Diven?
Jill Diven is an American woman best known as the ex-wife of actor and comedian Brad Garrett. She worked as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas before marrying Brad in 1999.
2. How many children does Jill Diven have?
Jill has two children with Brad Garrett: a son named Maxwell Bradley Garrett (born 1998) and a daughter named Hope Violet Garrett (born 2000).
3. When did Jill Diven and Brad Garrett divorce?
They separated in April 2006 and their divorce was finalized in November 2007. The reason given was irreconcilable differences.
4. What is Jill Diven doing now?
Jill lives a very private life away from the public eye. She does not use social media and rarely makes public appearances. She focuses on her personal life and family.
5. Are Jill Diven and Brad Garrett still friends?
Yes, they remained friends after their divorce. Both have spoken kindly about each other in interviews and continue to co-parent their children together with respect and care.
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