Diego Borella collapses during filming of Emily in Paris Season 5, leaving fans and colleagues devastated. Borella, the assistant director, tragically passed away at just 47 years old. His sudden death shocked the entertainment industry and has sparked important discussions about production pressures and wellness on set.
Who Was Diego Borella?
Diego Borella was more than just a name in the credits of Emily in Paris. A Venice native, he built a career that spanned continents, contributing to both local Italian projects and major international productions. Beyond his work on set, Borella was also a children’s author and a visual artist—proof of his boundless creativity and passion for storytelling.
What Happened on the Set?
Reports confirm that Diego Borella collapsed during filming at the iconic Hotel Danieli in Venice, during one of the final sequences of Season 5. Medical teams rushed to assist him, but tragically, he could not be revived. Early accounts suggest a heart attack was the cause of death.
The shocking event caused filming to pause temporarily, though production resumed just two days later. The speed of this return sparked debates online about whether productions truly balance compassion with tight deadlines.

Why This Story Matters
The phrase “Emily in Paris assistant director Diego Borella dies” cannot capture the full depth of this loss. Behind that headline is a man remembered for his artistry, kindness, and vision. His sudden death reminds us of the human stories behind the shows we love.
This event also raises important questions:
- How can production crews protect their health while balancing deadlines?
- Should studios adopt new wellness protocols for cast and crew?
For context, see Entertainment Weekly’s analysis of the tragedy.
Timeline of Events
Date | Event |
---|---|
August 23, 2025 | Diego Borella collapses during filming in Venice |
August 24, 2025 | News outlets confirm his death at 47 |
August 25, 2025 | Production resumes with Lily Collins and Eugenio Franceschini |
December 18, 2025 | Scheduled premiere date of Emily in Paris Season 5 |
How Fans and Colleagues Are Responding
Lily Collins, the star of the series, expressed deep sadness, while Paramount Television Studios released an official statement extending condolences to Borella’s family. Fans have flooded social media with tributes, highlighting not only his role in the show but also his personal works as a writer and artist.
Some fans have even suggested Netflix dedicate the upcoming season to his memory—a gesture that would immortalize his contributions.
Lessons for the Industry
The tragedy of when Diego Borella collapsed during filming is a wake-up call. The film industry is glamorous on screen but often grueling behind the scenes. Moving forward, we may see stronger advocacy for wellness breaks, mental health support, and emergency protocols on set.
From an audience perspective, it’s a reminder that the shows we binge-watch come at the cost of countless hours of labor, love, and sometimes even loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who was Diego Borella?
A Venice-born assistant director, children’s author, and visual artist best known for his work on Emily in Paris.
Q2: How did Diego Borella die?
He collapsed during filming in Venice, with reports suggesting a heart attack.
Q3: When did the incident happen?
On August 23, 2025, during the filming of Emily in Paris Season 5.
Q4: Where was he filming?
At the luxurious Hotel Danieli in Venice.
Q5: What happens to Emily in Paris Season 5 now?
Production resumed two days later, and the season is still set to premiere on December 18, 2025.
Q6: How has the entertainment industry reacted?
With shock, sadness, and calls for improved health measures on film sets.
Q7: What was Borella’s legacy outside of film?
He was also a children’s author and a visual artist.
Conclusion
The headline “Diego Borella collapses during filming” will resonate for months to come—not only as a tragic moment for Emily in Paris fans but also as a turning point for conversations about wellness in the entertainment industry. His sudden death underscores the humanity behind the art we consume every day.
What do you think? Should productions take stronger measures to safeguard their crews? Share your thoughts in the comments below.