Jamie Oliver, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, expresses “total shock” at the news of Jock Zonfrillo’s untimely death, posting a recent selfie with the MasterChef Australia team on Instagram and expressing how enjoyable it was to work with him.
Jock Zonfrillo, a MasterChef Australia judge, passed away at age 46.
The sudden demise of the award-winning chef was confirmed by his family, who released a statement on Facebook. His cause of demise is unknown.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police verified that the death is not being investigated as suspicious.
Jock Zonfrillo’s family wrote: “With entirely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can move forward in life without him, we are heartbroken to inform you of his passing yesterday.
“So many words could be used to describe him, and so many stories could be recounted about him, but at the moment we are too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his friend, or had the good fortune to be his family, keep this proud Scot in mind the next time you drink whisky.
We humbly request that you allow us to grieve privately while we find a way to get through this and create space on the other side to honor our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son, and friend.
The news broke just hours before the Monday, May 1 premiere of the 2023 season of MasterChef Australia.
“Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family,” the network wrote on social media. Yesterday, Jock passed away in Melbourne. This week, MasterChef Australia will not broadcast.”
Sharing a selfie with Zonfrillo and the rest of the MasterChef Australia team, British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver paid tribute to Zonfrillo on Instagram, writing, “I’m in complete disbelief to learn of chef Jock Zonfrillo’s untimely passing.”
Oliver continued, “We had the greatest time working together on this year’s MasterChef; I cannot express how enjoyable it was to collaborate with him!
“Jock was very generous with his time and spirit during the performance, and I am very appreciative… Melissa, Andy, and Jock are the most inspiring judges and mentors, and each has a distinct perspective and approach… Jock will be deeply mourned… I cannot believe I am typing this…
“Sending heartfelt love and condolences to all of his family, friends, and second family, the MasterChef team, and contestants.”
Gordon Ramsay also paid tribute on Twitter, writing, “Deeply saddened by the news of Jock Zonfrillo’s demise. I thoroughly relished our time on MasterChef Australia together. Sending my deepest condolences to Lauren and her family during this difficult period.
Born Barry Zonfrillo in Glasgow, Scotland in 1976 to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, Zonfrillo was one of the youngest apprentices at the five-star Turnberry Hotel in Ayrshire at the age of 15.
At 17, he worked at Marco Pierre White’s Hyde Park Hotel restaurant.
He started Orana in 2013 after becoming Sydney’s Restaurant 41’s executive chef in 2000.
Together with food critic Melissa Leong and chef Andy Allen, he was designated a judge on MasterChef Australia in 2019.
Zonfrillo had previously discussed his childhood substance addiction and homelessness in public.
His later career was not without controversy; he was fired from his position as chief chef in 2002 for setting fire to an apprentice’s trousers because he was working too slowly, and he declared bankruptcy in 2007.
Marco Pierre White said of his 2021 book, Last Shot, “Almost everything he has written about me is false.”
“This is the story of my life,” Zonfrillo said of the book, denying charges of fabrication. I’ve experienced it all, the highs and lows, and I abide by it.”
Peter Newman, the chief executive officer of Endemol Shine, said of Zonfrillo in response to the news of his death, “On set, he was adored by the crew, and his enthusiasm for food and the program was contagious.
“He was also a fantastic champion for the MasterChef contestants, always desiring the best for them. The entire MasterChef staff will miss him tremendously. Our sympathies are with his family during this time of sorrow.”
“This is a very sorrowful day,” said Paramount ANZ’s Beverley McGarvey.
“Jock was a remarkable individual. As a great colleague and friend, we were lucky to have him play such a major role in MasterChef.
“Despite all his professional accomplishments, his family brought him the most pleasure and happiness. Our sympathies are with them during this time of great difficulty.”
Former MasterChef competitors Minoli De Silva, Laura Sharrad, and Reynold Poenomo also paid their respects.
Zonfrillo leaves behind Lauren Fried, his third wife, and four children.
