Tragic Loss on Set: Assistant Director of ‘Emily in Paris’ Passes Away

Diego Borella, 47, passes away unexpectedly while working on 'Emily in Paris' in Venice, leading to a temporary suspension of filming as colleagues struggle with the sudden tragedy.

A sudden tragedy has struck the production of the Netflix series 'Emily in Paris' as Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director, died during filming in Venice for its fifth season. According to reports from La Repubblica, the incident occurred at the renowned Hotel Danieli around 19:00 local time on Thursday, where Borella reportedly collapsed in front of his coworkers while preparations for a scene were underway.

Emergency medical services were urgently summoned, but they were unable to revive Borella. A representative from Paramount Television Studios, the production company behind the show, expressed heartfelt condolences to Borella's family and friends 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," the spokesperson emphasized.

Filming for the beloved romantic comedy series was paused following the incident as the cast and crew grapple with the profound loss. Borella’s dedication to the project was evident, having been part of the production team as it navigated the complexities of filming during uncertain times.

Originally launched in 2020 during the pandemic, 'Emily in Paris' stars Lily Collins in the titular role of an American marketing executive navigating her career and relationships in France. Season four, which premiered in 2024, saw Emily expanding her horizons by opening a new office in Rome, while the highly anticipated fifth season is expected to air later this year.

The cast includes a talented ensemble of actors such as Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, and Lucien Laviscount, all of whom are now mourning the sudden loss of their colleague during this challenging time.