A crew member working on the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris has died in Venice while preparing for the filming of its fifth season, Italian media and the show’s producers confirmed.
The man, identified by newspaper La Repubblica as 47-year-old Diego Borella, served as an assistant director on the romantic comedy series. He reportedly collapsed in front of colleagues at the Hotel Danieli on Thursday evening while the production team was preparing to shoot a scene.
Emergency services were called to the luxury hotel at around 19:00 local time (18:00 BST), but medical teams were unable to save him. According to the report, on-site medical staff and colleagues attempted to provide first aid, but Borella succumbed almost immediately.
Paramount Television Studios, which produces the series for Netflix, confirmed the sudden death in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family,” the studio said. “Our hearts go out to the person’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Filming on the show has reportedly been paused following the incident.
Hit series with global following
Emily in Paris debuted in 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, and quickly grew into a global streaming success. Starring Lily Collins as American marketing executive Emily Cooper, the show follows her career and personal adventures after moving to France.
The series has been praised for its light-hearted escapism, though at times it has drawn criticism for cultural stereotypes. Nevertheless, it has maintained a strong international audience and has been renewed season after season.
The fourth season, which aired in 2024, followed Emily’s move to Rome to open a new office, while keeping much of the original Parisian cast intact. Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu plays Sylvie, Ashley Park portrays Mindy, Lucas Bravo stars as Gabriel, and Lucien Laviscount as Alfie.
Season five of the series is expected to air later this year, though production schedules may now be affected.
The news of Borella’s death has cast a shadow over the production. Tributes from colleagues and fans began to circulate online, reflecting the tight-knit nature of film and television crews often hidden behind the camera.
While neither Netflix nor Paramount offered further details on the cause of death, Italian authorities confirmed the incident was under review, describing it as a sudden medical collapse.
The tragic event comes as Venice continues to serve as a prominent filming location for international productions, valued for its historic beauty and cinematic appeal.
