Who Was Diego Borella? Assistant Director Dies at 47 During Emily in Paris Season 5 Filming

On August 21, 2025, during filming of Emily in Paris Season 5 in Venice, Italy, assistant director Diego Borella suddenly collapsed on set around 7:00 p.m. The crew was preparing for the final scene of the day at the iconic Hotel Danieli, when the incident occurred.

Despite quick action by the on-site medical team and the arrival of emergency services, Borella was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Who was Diego Borella?

Diego Borella was a 47-year-old assistant director hired locally in Venice to support the production. He had a deep background in film and visual arts, with training from institutions in Rome, London, and New York. Beyond the screen, he was also a storyteller and author, known for writing children’s books and fairy tales.

Friends and colleagues described him as gentle, creative, and deeply committed to his work, a quiet force behind the scenes.

What was the cause of death?

While no formal autopsy report has been made public, it is widely believed that Borella died of a sudden heart attack. Paramedics attempted to revive him for nearly an hour but were unsuccessful.

Production on Emily in Paris was immediately paused following Borella’s death. Cast and crew took time to grieve, and filming resumed just two days later on August 23 in Venice. It was an emotional return, as the team worked in tribute to Borella’s memory.

Paramount Television Studios issued a heartfelt statement, extending their condolences to his family and recognizing him as a valued member of their production family.

Has the release date changed?

No. Netflix confirmed that Emily in Paris Season 5 will still premiere on December 18, 2025, as originally scheduled. A trailer and first-look images were released earlier in the week, teasing dramatic new twists for Emily’s journey in Rome.

Cast for Emily in Paris Season 5:

• Lily Collins
  
• 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
  
• Michèle Laroque

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