Tragedy struck the set of Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” after assistant director Diego Borella died at 47 while filming the show’s upcoming season in Venice. Local reports said Borella collapsed in front of the crew on Thursday evening, August 21, outside the Hotel Danieli.
Medics were called to the scene, but despite their efforts to resuscitate him, Borella was pronounced dead around 7:30 p.m. It is believed he suffered a heart attack.
As per a report in the Independent, the Venice health service confirmed, “Our ambulance arrived at 18.42 (on Thursday evening). Medics made attempts to resuscitate him. But in the end, all efforts proved fruitless. At around 19.30, he was pronounced deceased.”
Production Reportedly Halted
Borella’s passing occurred as the team was working on the final episode of season five, which was scheduled to wrap on Monday, August 25. Reports suggest production has been paused following the tragedy.
The assistant director was set to oversee one of the last scenes of the season when he collapsed. Netflix has not yet commented on the loss.
Remembering Diego Borella
Born in Venice, Borella built a respected career as a writer and director, with experience working in Rome, London, and New York. In recent years, he had shifted his focus to creative writing, producing poetry, fairy tales, and children’s stories.
Known as a beloved figure in the Italian film and television community, Borella’s sudden passing has left colleagues and friends heartbroken.
Fans flooded Borella’s Instagram posts with condolences.
‘Emily in Paris’ Season 5 Still Expected in December
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Netflix)Despite the loss on set, Netflix confirmed that season five of “Emily in Paris” will still premiere on December 18.
The upcoming chapter follows Lily Collins’s Emily as she trades Paris for Rome, where she navigates new professional and personal hurdles.
According to a synopsis, “Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city. But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks.”
Created by Darren Star, the hit comedy first premiered in 2020 and has since become one of Netflix’s most popular shows, winning fans with its blend of romance, fashion, and European charm.
Netflix picked up the series for a second season in November 2020, which debuted on December 22, 2021. A third season arrived on December 21, 2022, followed by season four, released in two parts on August 15 and September 12, 2024. That same September, the streamer officially renewed the show for a fifth season.
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Talented ‘Emily in Paris’ Team Member Passes Away at 47 & Tributes Pour In