Diego Borella Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Cause of Death, Career, Movies, Net Worth, Wife, Children
Diego Borella was a professional assistant director, most notably recognized for his work on the fifth season of the Netflix series Emily in Paris. Born in Venice, Italy, he built an international career that saw him training and working in major creative hubs including Rome, London, and New York. Within the industry, he was known as a dedicated and adaptable professional who successfully balanced roles in large-scale international productions with his own creative passions.
In August 2025, Borella tragically passed away at the age of 47 while on location for Emily in Paris in Venice. He was serving as a locally hired third assistant director when he suddenly collapsed during the preparation of a scene at the Hotel Danieli. Despite immediate efforts by on-set medical staff and local paramedics to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death was attributed to a sudden heart attack. Following the tragedy, production was briefly suspended as the cast and crew mourned the loss of a man described by show creator Darren Star as a beloved member of their production family.
The Season 5 finale of Emily in Paris, titled “Veni, Vidi, Venezia,” which premiered in December 2025, concludes with a heartfelt on-screen dedication: “In memory of Diego Borella.” The tribute serves as a public acknowledgment of his contributions to the series and the profound impact his passing had on the team.
Beyond his career behind the camera, which included work on projects such as the medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani, Borella was a multi-faceted artist. He was deeply involved in literature and the visual arts, having recently dedicated his creative energy to writing poetry and children’s stories. Colleagues remembered him not only for his technical skills on set but also for his warm personality and his enduring curiosity as a storyteller.
Early Life and Venetian Roots
Diego Borella was born in the historic and picturesque city of Venice, Italy. Growing up in a city renowned for its artistic heritage and cinematic allure—home to the world’s oldest film festival—it is no surprise that Borella developed an early affinity for the visual arts and storytelling.
Educational Background and Global Training
While his heart remained in Venice, Borella’s professional ambitions required a global perspective. He sought out world-class training to master the complex logistics of film production. His educational journey took him through three of the most influential cities in the film industry: Rome, London, and New York.
Career in the Film and Television Industry
Diego Borella’s career was characterized by a steady climb through the ranks of the production department. As an Assistant Director (AD), his role was pivotal. The AD is the “glue” that holds a set together, managing schedules, ensuring the safety of the cast and crew, and translating the director’s vision into actionable logistics.
Work on ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 5
Borella’s most high-profile role came when he was hired as a third assistant director for the fifth season of Emily in Paris. The show, which famously moved its protagonist Emily Cooper (played by Lily Collins) from Paris to Rome, eventually traveled to Venice for its final episodes. Borella was brought on as a “locally hired” expert to assist with the complex filming requirements of the Venetian lagoons and historic landmarks.
Italian Television: ‘DOC – Nelle tue mani’
Prior to his international acclaim with Netflix, Borella was a fixture in the Italian television industry. One of his notable credits includes the hit medical drama DOC – Nelle tue mani (known internationally as DOC – In Your Hands). Working on such a popular series in 2022 cemented his reputation as a reliable and talented AD within the Italian circuit. His filmography also includes various other projects in film and theater, where he was respected by everyone in the field for his technical precision and collaborative spirit.
Beyond the Camera: Literature and Visual Arts
One of the most remarkable aspects of Diego Borella’s life was his commitment to the arts outside of his day job. He was a published author and a poet who viewed the world through a deeply creative lens.
He dedicated significant time to writing fairy tales and stories for children, often collaborating with the publisher Book Sprint Edizioni. His writing was described as “brilliant” and “full of talent” by close friends like Mattia Berto. Borella’s ability to transition from the technical, often chaotic environment of a film set to the quiet, imaginative world of children’s literature spoke to the depth of his character. He never stopped writing, even as his film career flourished, seeing the two paths as complementary ways to explore human emotion.
The Tragic Passing in Venice
The entertainment world was stunned when news broke of Borella’s death in August 2025. The tragedy occurred in the city of his birth, during the final days of production for Emily in Paris.
Sudden Collapse at Hotel Danieli
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m. local time, Diego Borella was preparing for the filming of a final scene inside the prestigious Hotel Danieli in Venice. Witnesses reported that he suddenly collapsed in front of his colleagues. The set’s medical staff immediately rushed to his aid, and local paramedics arrived at 6:42 p.m., but despite nearly an hour of resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m.
A local doctor later confirmed that the cause of death was a sudden heart attack. He was only 47 years old at the time of his passing.
While Diego Borella was a public figure in the professional sense, he kept his private life relatively quiet. He was known to be a “handsome, elegant guy with a lot of style,” according to friend Mattia Berto. He maintained deep connections within the Venetian community and was a “best friend” to many in the local theater scene.
Diego Borella Net Worth
As a professional third assistant director on major international productions like Emily in Paris and domestic hits like DOC, Diego Borella earned a respectable income consistent with high-level production roles in Europe. While an exact net worth figure is not a matter of public record, his career longevity and involvement in high-budget Netflix projects suggest a successful and stable professional life.
Conclusion
The story of Diego Borella is one of a life cut tragically short, but it is also a story of immense creative fulfillment. From the canals of Venice to the sets of global streaming giants, Borella proved that behind-the-scenes work is as much an art form as acting or directing. His legacy lives on through the frames of Emily in Paris, the pages of his children’s stories, and the memories of a “family” that spans from Rome to Hollywood.
FAQs About Diego Borella
Who was Diego Borella?
Diego Borella was an Italian assistant director known for his work on Emily in Paris Season 5 and the Italian drama DOC – Nelle tue mani.
How did Diego Borella die?
He died of a sudden heart attack while on the set of Emily in Paris in Venice in August 2025.
What was his role in ‘Emily in Paris’?
He served as a locally hired third assistant director for the show’s filming in Venice, Italy.
Why was the ‘Emily in Paris’ Season 5 finale dedicated to him?
The dedication was a tribute to his contributions to the show and a way for the cast and crew to honor their colleague who passed away during production.
How old was Diego Borella when he passed away?
He was 47 years old.
Where was Diego Borella born?
He was born in Venice, Italy.
Did Diego Borella write books?
Yes, he was a poet and wrote fairy tales and stories for children.
9. Where did Diego Borella receive his training? He trained in the major film hubs of Rome, London, and New York.
