Diego Borella, assistant director on the very popular hit Netflix series “Emily in Paris,” died suddenly. He was only 47. As recently as Thursday, August 21, he was on-location there shooting the fifth season of the show at Venice, Italy’s famed Hotel Danieli. That’s when the tragic incident happened.
Borella collapsed around 7:00 p.m. local time during preparations for a final scene. Despite the best efforts of the medical personnel on the set to resuscitate him, he was declared dead on the scene. While the related cause of his death has not yet been announced, it has served as a warning call.
Paramount Television Studios, which produces “Emily in Paris,” in which Borella starred, substantiated his death to ABC News. As the horror sank in, local news organizations rushed to cover the developing story. At stake were more than La Repubblica, Il Messaggero, Corriere della Sera.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family. Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” – Paramount Television Studios spokesperson
As a result of this tragedy, production on the fifth season had been paused. All that changed on Saturday, Aug. 23, just two days after Borella’s death, when the cameras rolled again. The creative team behind the show still strive to make sense of this difficult time while keeping his memory alive.
As a locally hired third assistant director, Borella worked like hell on set. We could all learn from his artistic process, he put everything 1000% into what he was doing. His artistic contributions to the series were no small feat, as “Emily in Paris” has blossomed into a cultural phenomenon since its release earlier this fall.
Her death comes as a tremendous loss to the film industry as well as to die-hard fans of the series. His many colleagues and friends who have shared their sadness at this terrible loss have all noted his professionalism and dedication to the craft.
