While Jock Zonfrillo’s loved ones process his passing, the future of MasterChef is uncertain.
Zonfrillo, 46, a MasterChef judge, was discovered dead in Melbourne early yesterday.
Police were summoned to a residence on Lygon Street in Carlton to check on the wellbeing of someone when they made the devastating find. at 2am.
In honour of Zonfrillo, the most recent season of MasterChef, which is believed to have wrapped up filming, was not allowed to run last night.
Police stated that there is no reason to suspect his death. Lauren Fried, his wife, and their four children are his only survivors.
The family of Zonfrillo announced his untimely passing in a statement, describing themselves as “devastated” and “overwhelmed.”
We are devastated to share that Jock died away yesterday, the statement said, adding that it left us unsure of how to go on with our lives without him.
We are currently too overwhelmed to put him into words, and there are countless stories that could be told.
“Remember this proud Scot when you sip your next whisky for those who crossed his path, became his partner, or were fortunate enough to be his family.
We beg you to kindly give us space to grieve privately while we figure out how to get through this and find room to enjoy our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son, and friend afterward.
“Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist, and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother, and son,” a statement from Network 10 And Endemol Shine Australia stated.
Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant that his formative years were greatly influenced by two powerful cultures. At the age of 12, Jock’s obsession with food and desire for a new pushbike motivated him to knock on kitchen doors in search of a job.
It is impossible to assess Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion, and love for food and his family.His absence will be felt deeply.
At the age of 15, Zonfrillo was one of the culinary students to complete an apprenticeship at Scotland’s renowned The Turnberry Hotel. By the time he was 17, he was working with Marco Pierre White.
In 2019, the Scottish host debuted on MasterChef, co-hosting with Andy Allen, a previous contestant, and chef Melissa Leong.
He published a biography titled Last Shot in 2021 that chronicled his years as a heroin user and his profession as a chef in London until relocating to Australia in 2000.
Former MasterChef competitors and other restaurateurs have expressed shock over Zonfrillo’s untimely passing.
The MasterChef Australia contestant Jamie Oliver claimed he is in “total shock” over the information.
“Jock was very generous with his time and spirit in the show to me, and for that I was really grateful,” he wrote in the post.
I find it hard to believe I’m writing this. To his entire family, friends, and his second family—the MasterChef team and competitors—we send our deepest sympathies and love. I adore Jamie.
Superstar chef Gordon Ramsay expressed his sadness over the tragic news of Jock Zonfrillo’s loss.
“I had a great time working with you on MasterChef in Australia.
I’m sending Lauren and the family my deepest sympathies during this trying time.
Such a surprise! Greetings to his family. Good night, dear friend. I’m speechless. Colin Fassnidge, a chef, wrote.
Reynold Poer commented, “I’m so shocked. Rest in peace, chef. My heart and condolences to loved ones.”
“This is actually devastating, and my brain doesn’t know how to process it,” Minoli De Silva said. Oh, what a sad day. I’ll miss you, buddy.
Jimmy Barnes, a legendary rock musician, said Zonfrillo was “like a brother.”
Zonfrillo has been referred to be a “champion of beautiful food” by TV host and chef Jane de Graaf.
Such tragic news. It is terrible to lose someone who was a mentor to so many and who championed excellent meals. His family, friends, and coworkers are in my thoughts, she stated.
