The entertainment industry was shocked on August 23, 2025, when tragic news emerged from the Venice set of Netflix’s hit series “Emily in Paris.” Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director, died after collapsing suddenly while filming Season 5, reportedly from a fatal heart attack.
Table of Contents
Emily in Paris Incident Details and Timeline
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 21, 2025 |
| Time | Approximately 7:00 PM local time |
| Location | Venice, Italy |
| Cause | Suspected heart attack |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Production Status | Briefly paused, resumed August 23 |
| Season Progress | Final scenes of Season 5 |
Who Was Diego Borella?
Diego Borella was a locally hired 3rd Assistant Director who previously worked on the medical drama “DOC – Nelle tue mani” (DOC – In Your Hands) in 2022. His career had taken him across Rome, London, and New York before he returned to Italy, showcasing his international experience in film production.
As an assistant director, Borella played a crucial role in coordinating daily operations, managing schedules, and ensuring smooth production flow – responsibilities that are vital to the success of any television series.
The Tragic Moment
Borella collapsed around 7pm local time on Thursday, August 21, with a local doctor who tried to help revive him at the scene confirming he most likely died of a “sudden heart attack”. The incident occurred during what was scheduled to be one of the final filming days for Season 5’s Venice sequences.
Days before the tragedy, Lily Collins, who plays Emily, had posted images from her time in Venice while shooting, along with her co-star Ashley Park, highlighting the team’s excitement about wrapping up the Venice portion of filming.
Industry Response and Production Impact
Netflix and Paramount’s Statement
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the ‘Emily in Paris’ production family,” a Paramount Television Studios spokesperson said, expressing the production company’s grief over the loss.
Filming Schedule Adjustment
Filming was temporarily suspended after the Italian crew member was pronounced dead, but production resumed on August 23, showing the industry’s commitment to honoring Borella’s work while continuing the project he helped bring to life.
Season 5 Production Context
Season 5 of the comedy, greenlighted last September, started filming in Rome in May before returning to Paris, with a few days in Venice scheduled at the tail-end of production. The Venice shoot was meant to capture the romantic backdrop that has made the series a global phenomenon.
The upcoming season promises significant developments for Emily’s character, with production moving between multiple European locations to maintain the show’s signature aesthetic.
Industry Safety and Mental Health
This tragedy highlights the importance of workplace safety in entertainment industry and the need for comprehensive health monitoring during high-pressure production schedules. The entertainment industry continues to grapple with ensuring crew welfare during demanding filming schedules.
Support for Cast and Crew
The sudden loss has undoubtedly affected the entire production family, emphasizing the need for mental health support in film production during such difficult times.
What’s Next for Emily in Paris
Despite this tragic setback, Season 5 production continues, honoring Diego Borella’s contribution to the series. The show’s streaming success on Netflix has made it one of the platform’s most-watched international series, with fans eagerly awaiting the new season.
The Venice sequences that Borella was working on will likely serve as a beautiful tribute to his dedication and professionalism, contributing to the show’s continued success in showcasing European filming locations.
Stay updated with the latest entertainment industry news and Netflix series updates on Technosports. For more insights into film production safety, explore our dedicated coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How did Diego Borella’s death affect Emily in Paris Season 5 production?
A: Production was temporarily suspended on August 21, 2025, following Diego Borella’s sudden collapse and death from a suspected heart attack. Filming resumed on August 23, allowing the cast and crew to process the tragedy while continuing to honor his work on the final Venice scenes.
Q2: What was Diego Borella’s role on Emily in Paris Season 5?
A: Diego Borella served as a 3rd Assistant Director, a crucial position responsible for coordinating daily operations, managing schedules, and ensuring smooth production flow. He was locally hired in Italy and had previous experience working on productions including the medical drama “DOC – Nelle tue mani.”
