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Diego Borella, the assistant director for Emily in Paris, tragically passed away at the age of 47 on August 21, 2025, in Venice, Italy. Reports indicate he collapsed on set while preparing for a final scene at Hotel Danieli and was later pronounced dead from a sudden heart attack. Despite the efforts of medical staff on site, Borella could not be revived, and filming for Season 5 has since been halted in respect to his passing.
About Diego Borella
Borella was a respected Venetian filmmaker with professional training in Rome, London, and New York. He worked across visual arts, film, and literature, building a reputation for his dedication and artistry. He had been in Italy for the filming of the fifth season of Emily in Paris in recent weeks.
Reaction from the Cast
Emily in Paris lead Lily Collins shared glimpses from the set on social media, captioning her post: “Joy ride to and from work with the best…” though she did not comment directly on the tragedy.
About Emily in Paris
The Netflix series, created by Darren Star, follows Emily Cooper, a Chicago-based marketing executive navigating life and work in Paris. The show premiered on October 2, 2020, and gained international popularity for its fashion, romance, and Parisian backdrop. Season 5 was renewed in September 2024 and was slated to start streaming on December 18, 2025, though production is now paused following Borella’s death.
Diego Borella’s passing is a significant loss to the Emily in Paris team and the international filmmaking community.