The global entertainment industry is mourning the sudden death of Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director working on the Netflix hit Emily in Paris. The tragic incident happened while the cast and crew were in Venice filming for the highly anticipated fifth season of the romantic comedy series. His death not only brought filming to a halt but also left colleagues, fans, and industry professionals in deep shock.
The Incident in Venice
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Borella collapsed unexpectedly while preparing to film a key sequence at Hotel Danieli, one of Venice’s most famous and historic luxury hotels. According to Italian daily La Repubblica, emergency services were immediately called when he fell ill around 7:00 p.m. local time.
Medical staff from the production, along with paramedics who arrived shortly after, tried to revive him on site. He was officially pronounced dead just after 7:30 p.m., despite their best efforts. Early reports suggest that Borella suffered a sudden heart attack, although a formal cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed.
The atmosphere on set quickly turned somber as colleagues witnessed the tragic collapse. Production members described the scene as “unreal and heartbreaking,” as filming stopped immediately to allow medical staff to assist.
Who Was Diego Borella?
Diego Borella was far more than a television crew member—he was a multidisciplinary creative professional. Born in Venice, he pursued studies in the arts and worked across Rome, London, and New York, gaining international experience in film, television, and theater.
Beyond his assistant directing work, Borella was also a visual artist, poet, and storyteller. He wrote children’s fairy tales, dabbled in literature, and engaged in multiple creative disciplines that reflected his passion for expression. Friends and colleagues have remembered him as not only talented but also deeply kind, humorous, and elegant.
Venetian actor Mattia Berto, who knew Borella personally, paid tribute, calling him “handsome, elegant… with a great sense of humor… brilliant, and very talented.” He lamented that Borella’s was a “young life cut short,” emphasizing how deeply his loss is felt in the creative community.
Paramount’s Official Statement
Following confirmation of his death, Paramount Television Studios, which produces Emily in Paris for Netflix, released an official statement:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family. Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The studio emphasized its commitment to supporting the cast and crew in mourning their colleague while balancing the need to continue the production schedule.
Production Temporarily Halted
Immediately after Borella’s death, filming was suspended out of respect. Cast members, including Lily Collins, were reportedly devastated and joined crew in pausing the project to process the loss.
However, just two days later, on August 23, production resumed in Venice. The decision to restart filming was made carefully, with grief counselors available for crew. Actors including Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Paul Forman, and Eugenio Franceschini were spotted filming scenes on a Venetian boat as the show worked toward completing its schedule.
According to reports, Season 5 filming in Italy began on August 15 and was slated to finish on August 25, leaving little flexibility in the timeline. Nevertheless, the cast and crew have pledged to honor Borella’s memory through their work.
About Emily in Paris
The series, which first premiered in October 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly became a global cultural phenomenon. Its lighthearted tone, colorful Parisian settings, and dramatic romance storylines made it one of Netflix’s most popular international comedies.
The show stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, a young American marketing executive who relocates to Paris and navigates cultural differences, career challenges, and romantic entanglements. Other main cast members include:
- Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Emily’s French boss.
- Ashley Park as Mindy, Emily’s best friend.
- Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, a Parisian chef and Emily’s love interest.
- Lucien Laviscount as Alfie, Emily’s British boyfriend.
By Season 4, released in 2024, Emily had expanded her work beyond Paris to Rome. Season 5 was set to deepen this Italian connection, bringing the cast to Venice for pivotal storylines.
Season 5: What to Expect
Despite the tragedy, Netflix and Paramount have confirmed that Season 5 remains on schedule, with a planned release date of December 18, 2025.
This season is expected to explore Emily’s professional journey as she expands her company’s reach in Italy, balancing her dual life between Paris and Rome while navigating fresh personal and professional conflicts.
New actors joining the ensemble include:
- Bryan Greenberg
- Michèle Laroque
- Minnie Driver
These additions are anticipated to bring fresh dynamics to the storyline.
Remembering Diego Borella
Borella’s death has sparked conversations within the entertainment industry about the pressures of on-location filming and the importance of health support for crew members. His passing has left not only his colleagues but also the broader Italian creative community in mourning.
Friends, artists, and fellow filmmakers have been sharing tributes across social media, celebrating his contributions to cinema and the arts. Many have highlighted his versatility, kindness, and passion, reminding the world that he was more than just an assistant director—he was a storyteller, artist, and beloved friend.
The sudden death of Diego Borella has cast a shadow over the production of one of Netflix’s most successful series. As Emily in Paris Season 5 continues toward its release, the show carries with it the memory of a talented professional who left a mark both on and off screen.
His story reflects the often-unseen contributions of crew members whose work shapes the entertainment we enjoy. While fans eagerly await the new season, the memory of Borella will remain a poignant part of Emily in Paris’s legacy.
The Information is Collected from IMDb.
