The production of Netflix’s hit series Emily in Paris has been struck by tragedy following the sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella during filming for the show’s fifth season.
Borella, 47, collapsed in front of colleagues at the historic Hotel Danieli in Venice on Thursday evening as the crew prepared to film a scene, according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Despite the immediate intervention of the show’s medical staff and emergency responders who were quickly called to the scene around 7 p.m. local time, attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Paramount Television Studios, which produces the romantic comedy series for Netflix, confirmed the loss in a statement: “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 report added that filming was temporarily suspended following the incident, with cast and crew left in shock by the assistant director’s untimely passing.
Borella’s death comes as the globally popular series prepares its highly anticipated fifth season. Since its debut during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Emily in Paris has captivated audiences worldwide with its glamorous portrayal of French culture and Emily Cooper’s journey as an ambitious American marketing executive navigating life and work in Paris.
The show stars Lily Collins in the lead role, alongside Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, and Lucien Laviscount. Season four, which premiered earlier this year, saw Emily relocate to Rome to spearhead her firm’s new office, expanding the story’s backdrop beyond Paris. Season five had moved to Venice for part of its storyline and was slated for release later this year.
News of Borella’s passing has cast a somber shadow over the production. Colleagues described him as a dedicated professional whose sudden death has left the team devastated.
As fans await updates on the show’s future, Borella’s death serves as a reminder of the unseen but vital contributions made by crew members behind the camera, whose work brings to life the stories loved by millions worldwide.
