MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died at the age of 46

Jock Zonfrillo, renowned Scottish chef, author and MasterChef from Australia judge, died on Sunday in Melbourne at the age of 46.

His family confirmed the news in a statement posted to Zonfrillo’s Instagram account, in which they called on fans to allow the family to mourn their “irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend” privately. The cause of death was not disclosed.

“With absolutely devastated hearts and not knowing how we can go through life without him, we are devastated to announce that Jock passed away yesterday,” the family said in a statement. “There are so many words to describe him, so many stories to tell, but right now we are too overwhelmed to put them into words. To those who crossed his path, became his partners or were lucky enough to be his family: keep this proud Scot in your hearts the next time you drink your next whisky.”

Ten Jock Zonfrillo in “MasterChef Australia”

Zonfrillo’s death occurred just before the 15th season MasterChef from Australia was scheduled to premiere, and the network and the show’s production company announced Monday that the premiere had been postponed.

“Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family,” the companies said in a statement. “You can’t measure Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humor, generosity, passion and love for food and his family. We will miss him very much. MasterChef Australia will not be broadcast this week.”

Born in Glasgow in 1976, Zonfrillo began his culinary journey as a dishwasher at the age of 13. He left school at the age of 15, quickly becoming one of the youngest apprentices at the Turnberry Hotel. At the age of 17 he began working for British chef Marco Pierre White, and at the age of 22 he became executive chef at the Tresanton Hotel in Cornwall.

In 2000, Zonfrillo became executive chef at Sydney’s Forty One and went on to open several renowned restaurants in Adelaide such as Restaurant Orana and Nonna Mallozzi. His television career blossomed in 2019 when he joined MasterChef from Australia as a judge alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen, replacing the show’s original hosts.

His memories from 2021 The last shot he described in detail his difficult past and his path to becoming a chef.

On Monday, another celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, paid tribute to Zonfrillo, recalling their time working together on MasterChef from Australia.

“I am shocked to hear about the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. It was great working with him on this year’s @MasterChefAU,” he wrote on social media. “Jock was very generous with his time and commitment to the program, so he will be greatly missed. I send my heartfelt love and condolences to all his family, friends, the MasterChef team and the contestants.”

Chef star Gordon Ramsay also paid a heartfelt tribute to Zonfrillo. “I really enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef Australia,” he wrote. “Sending all my love to Lauren and the family at this difficult time.”

Zonfrillo is survived by his wife of six years, Lauren Fried, and four children.

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