Kristina Roberts
Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director on Netflix’s Emily in Paris, has died suddenly while filming the show’s fifth season in Venice. His unexpected passing has left cast and crew devastated and brought production to a temporary halt.
According to Italian newspapers La Repubblica, Il Messaggero, and Corriere della Sera, Borella collapsed around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 22, while preparing to film a scene at the historic Hotel Danieli. Medical staff on set immediately attempted to resuscitate him, and paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Local doctors later suggested he most likely suffered a sudden heart attack.
Venice’s health service confirmed the emergency, saying: “Our ambulance arrived at 18.42. Medics made attempts to resuscitate him, but in the end, all efforts proved fruitless. At around 19.30, he was pronounced deceased,” as reported by The Independent.
Paramount Television Studios, which produces the series for Netflix, also confirmed the tragedy in a statement to BBC News: “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.”
Borella, a well-regarded Venetian filmmaker, trained in Rome, London, and New York. Beyond his work in television and cinema, he also explored literature and visual arts. In recent weeks, he had been actively involved in the Italian shoot for the upcoming season.
The fifth season of Emily in Paris had been scheduled to wrap filming on August 25, with Borella overseeing the final shoot. Following his passing, production has been suspended.
The romantic comedy series, which debuted in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular titles. Starring Lily Collins as American marketing executive Emily Cooper, the show has followed her adventures in Paris and, most recently, Rome. Alongside Collins, the series features Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, and Lucien Laviscount.
Season four, released in 2024, saw Emily opening a new office in Rome. Season five is expected to premiere on December 18, with Lily Collins recently sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses from Venice that captured the excitement of the cast and crew before Borella’s untimely passing.
