Tragedy Strikes Emily in Paris Set in Venice: Assistant Director Diego Borella Passes Away at 47
It was supposed to be another glamorous day on set in Venice. The cast and crew of Emily in Paris had been buzzing with excitement as the Netflix hit continued filming its highly anticipated fifth season in Italy. But that excitement quickly turned into heartbreak on August 22, when assistant director Diego Borella collapsed during preparations for a key scene. He was just 47 years old.
A Shocking Loss on Set
According to Italian media outlets La Repubblica, Il Messaggero, and Corriere della Sera, Borella’s collapse happened at around 7:00 p.m. local time inside the historic Hotel Danieli, one of Venice’s most famous luxury hotels. Crew members and medical staff rushed to revive him, but despite their desperate attempts, Borella never regained consciousness. A local doctor later confirmed that he likely suffered a sudden heart attack.
Filming came to a complete halt following the tragedy. Netflix and the show’s production partners — Darren Star Productions, Jax Media, and MTV Entertainment Studios — suspended shooting indefinitely out of respect for Borella and his family.
Who Was Diego Borella?
For those unfamiliar with his work, Borella wasn’t just another name on the credits. He was a respected Venetian professional, deeply connected to both film and the arts. He had trained in Rome, London, and New York, honing his craft across continents. Beyond film production, he also made contributions in visual arts and literature — a testament to his wide-ranging creativity.
Friends and colleagues described him as passionate, disciplined, and someone who could bring calm focus to the chaos of a bustling set. To lose such a figure in the prime of his career has left a hole not just in Emily in Paris’s production, but in the Italian film community as a whole.
The Timing: From Joy to Heartbreak
What makes the loss even harder for many fans and cast members is how quickly joy turned to tragedy. Just days before Borella’s death, the show’s star Lily Collins had been posting behind-the-scenes photos from Venice.
On August 19, Collins shared snapshots on Instagram: herself standing on a Venetian pier, another where she posed on a boat alongside costar Ashley Park. She captioned it lightheartedly: “Joy ride to and from work with the best…”
Park quickly chimed in, responding in the comments: “Caption, chapeau, cherished memories game STRONG. You KNOW how much I love you. Another adventure for the books 🥹.”
Only a few days earlier, Collins had posted another set of photos, this time enjoying the Venetian canals while filming on a boat. “A very Venetian getaway. When work becomes play…” she wrote, capturing the whimsical mood of the set before tragedy struck.
The Aftermath for Emily in Paris
The sudden suspension of filming leaves questions hanging over the much-loved Netflix series. Season five had already been drawing attention because of its international setting, with Venice adding a whole new layer of romantic flair to Emily’s adventures. Fans were eagerly awaiting sneak peeks, but now production is on hold, with no clear timeline for resumption.
Netflix and the production companies have yet to issue a formal public statement, though they were expected to coordinate with local authorities in Italy and with Borella’s family before announcing next steps.
Borella’s Impact and Legacy
When looking at Borella’s career, one thing stands out: his versatility. He wasn’t confined to a single medium. He thrived in filmmaking, excelled in the visual arts, and explored literature. His colleagues in Venice often described him as a bridge between classic Italian culture and the global entertainment world.
Losing someone like Borella on a creative team is more than just losing a coworker — it’s losing a voice, a vision, and a personality that quietly shaped the stories told onscreen. Though his name might not have been recognized by every Netflix subscriber, his contributions were woven into the DNA of the series.
The Human Side of a Hollywood Tragedy Abroad
Incidents like this remind us of the human fragility behind the glitz and glam of international productions. For many, Emily in Paris is a frothy, escapist show about fashion, love, and culture clashes. But for those who make it, long hours, demanding schedules, and constant travel come with the job. While it’s unclear whether stress played a role in Borella’s sudden collapse, the timing is a sobering reminder of the pressures faced by those behind the camera.
A Pause for Reflection
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Borella’s death occurred during what should have been a triumphant European shoot.
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Cast members had been celebrating Venice’s beauty only days before.
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Netflix now faces the delicate balance of honoring Borella’s memory while deciding when, or if, to resume filming in Venice.
It’s not just about continuing a series anymore. It’s about respecting the life and work of a man who was central to the team’s creative spirit.
Fans React to the News
Though Netflix has yet to issue a detailed statement, fans on social media have already begun expressing condolences. Many praised Borella’s contributions to cinema and sent messages of support to the cast and crew. Others voiced hope that the show will dedicate its upcoming season to his memory.
The emotional connection audiences have with a series often extends to the people who create it. Even if Borella wasn’t a household name, the grief is real — especially for fans who know how much passion goes into every frame of a show like Emily in Paris.
The Story Behind Hotel Danieli
The setting of Borella’s final moments carries a bittersweet symbolism. Hotel Danieli, located near St. Mark’s Square in Venice, has long been a symbol of cinematic grandeur. Countless movies have been filmed within its walls, and it has hosted legends from Hollywood and beyond. For Borella, who loved both film and literature, it’s poignant that his last professional chapter unfolded in such an iconic space.
Moving Forward: What Happens Next?
For now, production remains suspended. It’s likely Netflix will make a formal announcement in the coming days regarding how the show will proceed. There may also be discussions about whether to pay tribute to Borella in the season itself.
If Emily in Paris does move forward, fans can expect the tragedy to cast a shadow over the usually lighthearted series. Still, it may also serve as a chance to celebrate Borella’s artistry — ensuring that his legacy isn’t forgotten amid the show’s glamorous storylines.
Final Thoughts
The sudden passing of Diego Borella is a reminder that behind the cameras of our favorite shows are people who dedicate their lives to creating entertainment we love. His death in Venice, during the filming of Emily in Paris season five, has not only paused production but also left an indelible mark on everyone involved.
At just 47, Borella had already carved out a meaningful career across multiple creative fields. He lived and worked in cities that shaped global culture — Rome, London, New York — and returned home to Italy to contribute to one of Netflix’s biggest international hits.
As the cast, crew, and fans mourn his loss, one thing is certain: Borella’s influence will be remembered, and his passion for storytelling will continue to echo through the work he left behind.
✅ Key Takeaways:
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Assistant director Diego Borella collapsed on set in Venice on Aug. 22.
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He was just 47 years old and reportedly died of a sudden heart attack.
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Filming of Emily in Paris season five has been suspended indefinitely.
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Borella was a respected professional with global training and a career in film, visual arts, and literature.
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His loss leaves a lasting impact on the show, its cast, and the film community at large.
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