🚨 Shock on Set: Diego Borella, 47, Dies After Collapsing During ‘Emily in Paris’ Shoot — Production Plunged Into Mourning 🕊️🎥

 

The Netflix phenomenon Emily in Paris has always been known for its glittering escapism — champagne flutes, couture fashion, and postcard-perfect shots of the French capital.

Emily in Paris' assistant director dies on set in Italy

But behind the glamour is a hardworking crew, the people who keep the machine running.

Among them was Diego Borella — an assistant director with nearly two decades of experience in film and television.

On Tuesday morning, that crew watched as Borella — mid-production on a scene — suddenly collapsed.

According to multiple sources, medics rushed in immediately.

Cast and crew members looked on in shock, some reportedly in tears, as emergency responders attempted to revive him on the set floor.

But despite their efforts, Diego never regained consciousness.

He was pronounced dead shortly after.

Who was Diego Borella? Emily in Paris assistant director dies after  collapsing on set | Hollywood - Hindustan Times

The set was shut down immediately.

A Career of Dedication

Diego Borella wasn’t a household name, but within industry circles, he was deeply respected.

Colleagues describe him as a “rock” on set — organized, tireless, and known for keeping calm even when chaos threatened production schedules.

“He was the heartbeat of the crew,” one insider told reporters.

“Always moving, always making sure things ran smoothly.

He never complained.

Everyone loved Diego.

At just 47, Borella had built an impressive résumé, working on European and international productions alike.

Friends say he had a passion for filmmaking since his teenage years, and his role on Emily in Paris was a career highlight.

Cast and Crew Left Shaken

Emily In Paris Assistant Director Diego Borella Dies On Set In Italy |  Hollywood News - News18

The show’s cast — including Lily Collins, Ashley Park, and Lucas Bravo — were reportedly devastated by the sudden loss.

Several actors posted cryptic messages of heartbreak on social media without naming Borella, reflecting the rawness of the tragedy.

One crew member wrote: “We lost family today.

We lost the soul of this set.

Netflix released a brief statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Diego Borella, a cherished member of the Emily in Paris family.

Our thoughts are with his loved ones, colleagues, and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

Shockwaves Across the Industry

Sudden on-set deaths are rare but always jarring.

For many, Borella’s passing evokes painful memories of other crew members lost mid-production — stark reminders of the physical and emotional toll the film industry can take.

emily in paris assistant director: Tragedy on Emily in Paris set: Assistant  Director Diego Borella dies filming Season 5 finale scene - The Economic  Times

The French authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway, though early reports suggest a medical emergency rather than foul play.

Still, the suddenness has left colleagues grappling with shock.

One insider noted:

“He was just talking to us minutes before.

Smiling.

Laughing.

And then he was gone.

None of us can process it.

A Legacy of Quiet Impact

Unlike actors or directors, assistant directors rarely make headlines.

But they are the backbone of every production, the ones who ensure stories actually come to life.

Diego Borella embodied that role.

His colleagues remember him as not just a professional, but a friend.

Someone who kept morale high on grueling days, who cared about every member of the team, from lead actors to interns.

As one crew member put it:
“Emily in Paris will never feel the same without him.

What Comes Next

Production on Emily in Paris has been paused indefinitely as the cast and crew mourn and process.

Netflix is reportedly arranging grief counseling for staff, while fans around the world flood social media with tributes — even though most never knew his name before this tragedy.

And perhaps that’s the cruel poetry of it: a man who worked tirelessly behind the scenes has now become the story himself, remembered not for the chaos of his final moments, but for the dedication and warmth he brought to every set he ever touched.

At just 47, Diego Borella’s story ended too soon.

But for those who worked with him, his legacy will echo through every frame of film he helped create.

Because in the end, filmmaking isn’t just about the stars who shine onscreen — it’s about the quiet heroes behind the camera.

And Diego Borella was one of the brightest.