Diego Borella, a locally hired third assistant director for the popular Netflix show Emily in Paris, has tragically passed away at the age of 47. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Borella collapsed on set while filming the fifth season of the acclaimed series in Venice, Italy.
In a heartfelt statement, a representative from Paramount Television Studios expressed the organization’s sorrow, stating, “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.” The announcement of Borella's death came around 7:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 21, as reported by multiple news outlets.
The tragic event unfolded while the crew was preparing to film a pivotal final scene inside the iconic Hotel Danieli in Venice. Despite the immediate response of medical staff who attempted to revive Borella, he succumbed to what has been described as a “sudden heart attack,” according to La Repubblica.
Just days before this unfortunate incident, Netflix had released the first-look images for Emily in Paris Season 5, which stars Lily Collins. The new season is slated to premiere on the streaming platform on December 18. In this upcoming season, Emily finds herself as the head of Agence Grateau Rome, where she faces various professional and romantic challenges while adapting to life in a new city.
The season's synopsis reveals that just as Emily begins to find her footing, a work idea backfires, leading to heartbreak and career setbacks. In her quest for stability, Emily embraces her French lifestyle, but a significant secret threatens one of her closest relationships. As she tackles these conflicts with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.
Alongside Lily Collins, the talented cast of Emily in Paris includes notable actors such as Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, William Abadie, Lucien Laviscount, Eugenio Franceschini, Thalia Besson, Paul Forman, Arnaud Binard, Minnie Driver, Bryan Greenberg, and Michèle Laroque.
This heartbreaking news has cast a shadow over the excitement surrounding the upcoming season of Emily in Paris, reminding us of the challenges faced by those working in the entertainment industry. Our thoughts remain with Diego Borella's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.