Jock Zonfrillo, the popular Scottish TV presenter and former chef, passed away suddenly at the age of 46.
Jock Zonfrillo dies: What’s the cause of death?
Zonfrillo, who was best known for his role as a judge on MasterChef Australia, died on Sunday, 30 April 2023 in Melbourne.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
A new season of MasterChef Australia was due to begin airing on Monday, 1 May 2023, but the premiere was postponed after Zonfrillo’s death was announced.
On Wednesday, the network confirmed the new season will now launch on Sunday, 7 May 2023, with a special edition of The Sunday Project preceding the show. The Zonfrillo family has given their blessing for the move.
Zonfrillo’s family issued a statement saying:
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we’re too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky.”
Jock Zonfrillo biography
Jock Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother.
He began his career in the culinary arts at the age of 15, with an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel. By the age of 17, he was working alongside renowned chef Marco Pierre White at his eponymous restaurant.
After moving to Australia, Zonfrillo opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide. The latter won numerous culinary awards, and Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants on MasterChef Australia, where he served as a judge beginning in 2019.
Zonfrillo led a colourful and at times controversial life. He was declared bankrupt in 2007 after failing to pay damages awarded by a court to an apprentice who was set on fire in his restaurant.
Other controversies surrounded his Orana Foundation, which aimed to preserve historic cooking techniques and the bankruptcy of his two Adelaide restaurants.
In 2021, Zonfrillo published a memoir titled Last Shot, but the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper debunked many of its claims, including stories of drug use.
Renowned chef Marco Pierre White was quoted as saying that “almost everything he has written about me is untrue.”
Zonfrillo was married three times and reportedly met his third wife, Lauren Fried, via Twitter.
Reactions to Zonfrillo’s shocking death
“Jock was an extraordinary man,” said Beverley McGarvey, executive VP of Paramount ANZ, the owner of Network Ten.
“He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged to have had him play such an important and impactful role in MasterChef. Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time,” McGarvey added.
Here are more social media reactions to Zonfrillo’s untimely death.