Tragedy Strikes ‘Emily in Paris’ Set as Assistant Director Dies in Venice
Jaden Patel here, your guide through the glamorous chaos of showbiz, where even a picturesque gondola ride can come with a side of existential dread. Now, let’s talk about what just happened on the set of Emily in Paris, where life imitated art — except this time, there was no script to follow and certainly no happy ending.
In a tragic twist that no one saw coming, assistant director Diego Borella collapsed during preparations for a scene at the opulent Hotel Danieli in Venice while filming Season 5 of Netflix’s hit romantic comedy series. According to multiple Italian news outlets, including La Repubblica, Borella suffered what doctors suspect was a sudden heart attack around 7:00 PM on Friday. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Yes, you read that right. A man who helped bring cinematic charm to the small screen became part of a real-life drama far more serious than any storyline involving Emily Cooper’s love triangle or questionable fashion choices.
Borella, an Italian filmmaker trained in Rome, London, and New York, was a third assistant director hired locally for the production. He had previously worked on the 2020 Italian medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani, suggesting he wasn’t exactly new to high-pressure environments — though none likely prepared him for the emotional toll of working on a Netflix juggernaut.
The tragedy didn’t halt production entirely. By Saturday, cameras were rolling again, with stars Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Eugenio Franceschini, and Paul Forman seen filming scenes aboard a gondola. Notably, none of the cast has publicly commented on the incident, which is perhaps understandable given the circumstances.
A spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios released a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss: “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.”
So yes, while Emily may still be navigating French bureaucracy and romantic entanglements, the real-world stakes have never been higher. And while we’re used to seeing behind-the-scenes bloopers and flubbed lines, this was a grim reminder that not all surprises come with a laugh track.
As for what happens next? Well, that remains to be seen. The show must go on, but it’s hard to imagine anyone involved forgetting this particular chapter of their careers anytime soon.
Until then, remember: when someone tells you it’s “just TV,” they clearly haven’t seen how much blood, sweat, and now, unfortunately, tragedy, goes into making it.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, La Repubblica
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