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Production of Netflix's hit series Emily in Paris has been temporarily halted following the sudden death of assistant director Diego Borella. The 47-year-old collapsed while on set at Venice's historic Hotel Danieli on Thursday evening, just moments before the cast and crew were scheduled to shoot one of the final scenes of the fifth season.
Emergency responders were called around 7 p.m., but despite attempts at resuscitation, Borella was pronounced dead at approximately 7:30 p.m., according to La Repubblica and El Mundo. Local authorities believe he suffered a heart attack.
Borella, who was born in Venice in 1978, had built an international career spanning film, directing, and writing. Trained in Rome, London, and New York, he was also a published author of fairy tales, haikus, and children's plays. A longtime friend, Mattia Berto, remembered him warmly: "I have fond memories of Diego; he was a handsome, elegant boy with a lot of style. Diego had a great sense of humour, was brilliant, and very talented. His is a young life cut short, so there aren't many words. Just great sadness."
The city council of Venice also expressed condolences to his family, acknowledging his contribution to the arts both locally and abroad.
Filming for season five of Emily in Paris began in Venice on August 15 and was scheduled to conclude by August 25. The new season, set to premiere on December 18, will see Lily Collins return as Emily Cooper, this time navigating professional and romantic challenges as the head of Agence Grateau in Rome. Series creator Darren Star teased that the storyline would shift between Italy and France, describing it as "a tale of two cities. Rome and Paris. Straddling both, Emily takes love and life to the next level."
Season five also introduces a cast change, as actress Camille Razat, who portrayed Emily's friend and rival Camille, confirmed her departure from the series earlier this year. She announced her exit on Instagram, reflecting on her time on the show and describing the experience as fulfilling and memorable.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new season, the sudden passing of Borella has left the cast, crew, and fans mourning the loss of a respected colleague and creative force.
