MasterChef Australia judge and celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo dies at 46
Jock Zonfrillo, the award-winning chef and host of MasterChef Australia, passed away suddenly at the age of 46, leaving the culinary and entertainment world in shock.
Zonfrillo was a renowned chef who worked in prestigious restaurants worldwide before opening his own in Australia. He is survived by his wife and four children, who expressed their deep sadness in a statement.
Zonfrillo's death was confirmed by Network 10, the broadcaster of MasterChef, on the day the 2023 season premiere was scheduled to air. Victoria Police found Zonfrillo's body at a house in Melbourne during a welfare check, and they stated that the death is not suspicious.
Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday.
— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) May 1, 2023
MasterChef Australia will not air this week. pic.twitter.com/cmtDuJr19P
Zonfrillo's sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from celebrity chefs, former MasterChef contestants, and fans alike. Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, who were set to appear on the show, paid tribute to their friend and colleague on social media.
In total shock to hear of the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. Had the best time working with him for this year’s @MasterChefau. Jock was very generous with his time and spirit in the show and will be so very missed. Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his… pic.twitter.com/Ssa9qOKiFr
— Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) May 1, 2023
Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time Gx
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) May 1, 2023
Former MasterChef India judge and celebrity chef Kunal Kapur also took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late chef.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Zonfrillo became one of the youngest-ever apprentices at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15, having already worked in the culinary world for 3 years. He soon caugh the attention of Michelin-starred British Chef Marco Pierre White and began working at his famous Hyde Park Hotel.
Despite his successful career, Zonfrillo struggled with drug addiction in his teenage years, which he wrote about in his memoir. He credited a move to Australia in 2000 with turning his life around, and he went on to open several successful restaurants, including the award-winning Restaurant Orana in Adelaide.
Zonfrillo was known for his charisma, passion, and wicked sense of humor, and his presence inspired a nation of home cooks. However, his career was not without controversy. His acclaimed Adelaide restaurant closed in 2020 with debts of millions of dollars. His 2021 memoir, Last Shot, was criticised by former colleagues, including Pierre White, who said that it contained certain inaccuracies.
Zonfrillo's sudden death has left a void in the culinary world, but his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring chefs and home cooks alike.
Network 10 announced that they will not air the upcoming episode of MasterChef out of respect for Zonfrillo's family and friends.