Diego Borella: Remembering the Emily in Paris Assistant Director

Emily in Paris is a show synonymous with fashion, romance, and the dreamy backdrops of Europe. But behind the glittering façade of the Netflix hit lies the relentless hard work of countless crew members who bring the magic to life. Among them was Diego Borella, a talented assistant director whose sudden passing at age 47 has left the entertainment industry reeling.

On August 21, 2025, while preparing for a final scene at Venice’s historic Hotel Danieli, Borella collapsed in front of his colleagues. Despite immediate medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene, reportedly due to a sudden heart attack. The tragedy occurred during the filming of the show’s fifth season, casting a shadow over the production and reminding us of the often-overlooked vulnerabilities of those working behind the camera.

⭐ Who Was Diego Borella?

Diego Borella was more than just a name in the credits. A locally hired third assistant director, he brought a wealth of international experience to Emily in Paris, having trained and worked in cultural hubs like Rome, London, and New York. Described by friends as “brilliant” and “deeply talented,” Borella was a well-regarded professional in the industry, with a career spanning cinema, visual arts, and literature.

In the months leading up to his death, he had dedicated himself to writing poetry, fairy tales, and children’s stories—a testament to his creative spirit. His longtime friend Mattia Berto shared, “Diego had a great sense of humor… His was a young interrupted life, so there are not many words. Just a great sadness”.

💔 The Day Tragedy Struck

The incident occurred around 7:00 PM local time on August 21, as the crew prepared to film a scene at the luxurious Hotel Danieli in Venice. Borella collapsed suddenly, and despite the efforts of on-set medical personnel, he could not be revived. The Venice health service confirmed that ambulance crews arrived promptly and attempted resuscitation for nearly an hour, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Production was temporarily suspended as the cast and crew processed the shock and grief of losing a beloved colleague. Filming resumed two days later on August 23, with the season still slated for a December 18 release.

🌍 The Bigger Picture: Behind the Scenes Realities

Borella’s death highlights the often-unseen pressures faced by film and television crews. While audiences see the glamour of final cuts, the reality involves long hours, high-stress environments, and physical demands that can take a toll on even the most seasoned professionals.

Key Facts About the Incident:

❤️ Industry Reactions and Tributes

Paramount Television Studios, which produces Emily in Paris for Netflix, released a statement expressing deep sadness: “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”.

While lead actors like Lily Collins and Ashley Park have not publicly commented on Borella’s death specifically, their recent social media posts reflected the joy and excitement of filming in Venice—a stark contrast to the tragedy that followed.

🔍 Looking Ahead: Safety and Legacy

In the wake of Borella’s death, questions about on-set safety protocols are likely to arise. While medical personnel were present and responded immediately, the incident underscores the need for regular health screenings and emergency preparedness, especially for crews working long hours in demanding conditions.

Borella’s legacy, however, extends beyond this tragedy. His contributions to projects like the medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani and his foray into creative writing reveal a multifaceted artist whose work touched many. As the industry mourns, it also remembers a man who embodied passion and dedication.

✅ Conclusion: Honoring Diego Borella’s Memory

Diego Borella’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, even in the most dazzling of settings. As Emily in Paris prepares to release its fifth season, his absence will be deeply felt by those who knew him and worked alongside him.

His story encourages us to look beyond the screen and appreciate the countless individuals whose hard work and creativity make our favorite stories come to life.

💬 Your Thoughts

We invite you to share your thoughts and tributes to Diego Borella in the comments below. If you or someone you know works in high-stress environments, consider advocating for better health support systems in your workplace.