Heartbreak Looms Over Netflix Set as ‘Emily in Paris’ Assistant Director Diego Borella Passes Away While Working on the Show

The glossy, sun-drenched set of Netflix’s Emily in Paris, long celebrated for its chic aesthetics and lighthearted charm, was recently clouded by tragedy as an assistant director working on the show, Diego Borella, passed away mid-commitment to the project. What had been a space of shared laughter, romance, and Parisian whimsy turned Italian charm became somber suddenly, as the cast and crew struggled to come to terms with the bitter reality of one of their colleagues having set out on a journey to heaven untimely.

Following Diego Borella’s sudden demise, the production of Emily in Paris was paused as the crew mourned the loss of their colleague.

Tragedy strikes behind the scenes on Emily in Paris

Diego Borella, 47, assistant director of Emily in Paris, tragically passed away while filming the show’s fifth season in Italy, according to local news outlets La Repubblica, Corriere della Sera, and more, with PEOPLE confirming the same. The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 21, during preparations for a final scene at Venice’s Hotel Danieli, the Italian publications reported, while adding that medical staff on the set attempted to revive Borella when he suddenly collapsed; however, that effort was in vain. Filming for Emily in Paris was suspended following the incident, and later resumed on August 23.

Paramount Television Studios, the force behind the show in discussion, expressed deep sorrow over Diego Borella’s demise in a statement to PEOPLE through a spokesperson, saying, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family.” The statement further sent condolences to Borella’s family, asserting that the team’s “hearts go out” to them during this tough time. The departed assistant director’s elaborate profile, meanwhile, deserves a spotlight of its own amid the news of his demise.

Known for more than just Emily in Paris, one of the many major Netflix endeavors to go into production this year, Diego Borella left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry before he passed.

Celebrated assistant director contributed to another notable TV project past Emily in Paris

Diego Borella, a well-regarded Venetian professional, trained in Rome, London, and New York to build a diverse international background before Emily in Paris. According to La Repubblica, he had a strong presence in visual arts and literature, reflecting his wide-ranging creative interests. The late Borella’s IMDb profile, meanwhile, lists him as a production secretary on DOC: Nelle Tue Mani, an Italian-language TV show, illustrating his hands-on experience in the industry beyond the Netflix title he was working on in his final hours. 

Diego Borella’s passing is rightly being viewed as a loss to the world of television. His dedication, creativity, and years of experience are said to have enriched every project he touched. As colleagues, including those on the set of Emily in Paris, friends, and more, mourn his sudden demise, his contributions and spirit are sure to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

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