Introduction
Diego Borella worked behind the scenes to help bring Emily in Paris Season 5 to life. His sudden passing during filming in Venice left a lasting impact on the show’s cast and crew, who dedicated the season finale to his memory.
This article looks back at his career, his connection to the show, and the tribute that followed his death.
Who Was Diego Borella?
Diego Borella was an Italian assistant director, born in Venice in 1978. He worked in film and theater production for years, building a career that spanned multiple countries and creative disciplines.
Beyond his production work, Borella was also a writer, known for poetry and children’s stories.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diego Borella |
| Born | 1978, Venice, Italy |
| Profession | Assistant Director, Writer |
| Notable Work | Emily in Paris (2025), DOC – Nelle tue mani (2022) |
| Training | Rome, London, and New York |
| Passed Away | August 21, 2025, at age 47 |
Diego Borella’s Career in Film and Production
Borella trained in Rome, London, and New York, building broad experience across international production environments. His industry credits include work as a production secretary and assistant director on Italian and international projects.
Notable Production Credits
- DOC – Nelle tue mani (2022), an Italian medical drama later adapted into the U.S. series Doc
- Emily in Paris Season 5 (2025), where he served as a locally hired third assistant director in Venice
Alongside his film and television work, Borella maintained a parallel career as a writer, publishing poetry and stories for children.
His Role on Emily in Paris Season 5
For Season 5 of Emily in Paris, the show’s storyline shifted from France to Italy, taking the production to Venice. Diego Borella joined the local crew as a third assistant director, helping coordinate scenes during the Italian leg of filming.
Season 5 marked his first and only assistant director credit on the series.
Diego Borella’s Sudden Passing
On August 21, 2025, Diego Borella collapsed while the crew was preparing to film a scene at the Hotel Danieli in Venice. Despite efforts from medical personnel on set, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 47 years old.
Italian news outlets reported that the cause was believed to be a sudden heart attack. Following his death, production on Emily in Paris Season 5 was temporarily paused before resuming two days later.
Paramount Television Studios released a statement at the time, expressing deep sadness over the loss of a member of the production family and extending condolences to Borella’s loved ones.
Tributes and the Season 5 Dedication
Diego Borella’s death deeply affected those who worked alongside him. Show creator Darren Star spoke about the loss in an interview, describing the production as a close-knit family and explaining the decision to dedicate the season finale to Borella’s memory.
At the end of the tenth episode, viewers saw the on-screen message: “In memory of Diego Borella.”
Words From Those Who Knew Him
- A longtime friend described Borella as talented, brilliant, and known for his great sense of humor
- Venice’s tourism councilor spoke of his professionalism, noting that he was respected throughout his field
- Colleagues remembered him as a warm and dedicated member of the production team
Diego Borella’s Legacy
Diego Borella’s story reflects the often-overlooked work of crew members who help bring major television productions to life. While his name may not have been widely known before his passing, his contributions to Emily in Paris and Italian film and theater production left a meaningful mark on those who worked with him.
His parallel life as a writer of poetry and children’s stories also speaks to a broader creative spirit that extended beyond the film set.
FAQs About Diego Borella
1. Who was Diego Borella? Diego Borella was an Italian assistant director and writer, best known for his work on Emily in Paris Season 5 and the Italian drama DOC – Nelle tue mani.
2. How did Diego Borella die? He collapsed while preparing to film a scene at the Hotel Danieli in Venice on August 21, 2025. Reports indicate the cause was likely a sudden heart attack.
3. Why was the Emily in Paris finale dedicated to him? The cast and crew wanted to honor his memory and contribution to the production, dedicating the Season 5 finale to him as a tribute.
4. What other work was Diego Borella known for? Besides his production work, he trained in Rome, London, and New York, and was also a writer of poetry and children’s stories.
5. Did Diego Borella have other credits before Emily in Paris? Yes, he previously worked as a production secretary on the Italian medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani in 2022.
Conclusion
Diego Borella‘s passing was a profound loss for the Emily in Paris production team and the wider Italian film community. Through the Season 5 dedication, his memory continues to live on with the show he helped bring to the screen.
His career, though cut short, reflects years of dedication to storytelling both on set and on the page — a legacy that his colleagues and loved ones continue to honor.
