The crew of Netflix’s popular romantic comedy Emily in Paris has been dealt a blow by the unexpected loss of assistant director Diego Borella, who died suddenly while filming in Venice for season 5.
He was 47 years old.
The incident happened on Thursday night at the famous Hotel Danieli, where the cast and crew had gathered to film an important scene. Medical personnel, including the programme’s on-set medics, came to Borella’s rescue after he fell over in front of his fellow workers. But even after all their attempts, and emergency teams arriving about 19:00 local time (18:00 BST), Borella was pronounced dead at the scene.
Paramount Television Studios, the production company behind the world’s hit Netflix show, has confirmed Borella’s death in a statement given to BBC News. “We are saddened to officially confirm the untimely loss of one of the Emily in Paris production team members,” read the spokesperson. “We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual during this very tragic moment.”
Filming Temporarily Halted
In the wake of Borella’s death, reportedly, filming on season five was held off as the cast and crew grappled with the shocking incident. There has not yet been an official announcement regarding when shooting will resume, though the studio emphasized that the health of the production team is its utmost concern.
Borella, a veteran of many years in film and television production, was highly regarded in his field. His untimely passing has left peers shaken, especially since it occurred in such a public and high-stress environment on set. Although the cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary indications are that it was a sudden medical issue and not an act of violence.
The Legacy of Emily in Paris
Since its premiere in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic, Emily in Paris has been among the topmost-watched on Netflix globally. The show is hosted by Lily Collins as Emily Cooper, an American marketing executive who embarks on a journey through romance, career, and culture shock in France.
The program’s popularity increased consistently over its four seasons, with its chic depiction of Parisian existence becoming a worldwide buzz. Season four, which came out in 2024, saw the story take Emily to Rome as she endeavored to take her firm international. Season five, in production, will carry on with this European narrative but retain the humor and romance elements that made the show a hit.
Joining Collins is the all-star ensemble cast, which features Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Ashley Park as Mindy, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, and Lucien Laviscount as Alfie. The fifth season is still set to be aired later this year, although Borella’s premature death might affect production schedules.
Industry Reactions
The sad news has sent shockwaves in the entertainment world, with many likely to pay homage in the days ahead. As fans of the show wait anxiously for the new season, the show is currently mourning the loss of a member of the crew who worked behind the scenes to make the Emmy-nominated show a reality.
As Emily in Paris and Borella’s family mourn his untimely death, the show remains a reminder of the passion for creation that fuels the entertainment sector, passion that Borella himself lived by.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
