In a heartbreaking turn of events, Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director for the popular series Emily in Paris, has passed away unexpectedly while on location in Venice for the show’s fifth season. Medics were summoned to Hotel Danieli at approximately 19:00 local time on Thursday, but tragically, their efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
According to reports from La Repubblica, Borella collapsed in front of his colleagues while they were preparing to film a scene. The medical team on set attempted to assist, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Production has been temporarily suspended in light of this devastating news. A spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios, which produces the series for Netflix, expressed their condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the 'Emily in Paris' production family." They extended their thoughts and prayers to Borella's family and loved ones during this extraordinarily challenging time.
Emily in Paris first premiered during the pandemic in 2020 and quickly gained a significant following. The series stars Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive, and takes viewers through her adventures in Parisian life and work. Following a successful fourth season which aired in 2024, the fifth season is expected to premiere later this year, featuring familiar cast members including Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Ashley Park.
Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of Borella, whose contributions to the show and connection with the team will certainly be remembered.
