MasterChef host Jock Zonfrillo revealed ‘simple’ wish before he died

In an interview published just before he died, Jock Zonfrillo said he craved a “simple life” and not that of a TV personality.

In the final interview published just before his death, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo said he craved a “super, super simple life,” away from the glare that comes from being a TV personality.

He also said he was “good in any kind of stressful situation,” never “freaked out” and only needed four hours sleep a night.

Zonfrillo, along with fellow hosts Melissa Leong and Andy Allen, spoke to News Corp Australia’s national entertainment writer Lisa Woolford ahead of the new season’s now postponed debut which was supposed to have taken place on Monday evening.

The body of the 46-year-old was discovered by police at 2am on Monday in a hotel on Lygon St in Carlton, just north of Melbourne’s CBD.

Police said Zonfrillo’s death was not being treated as suspicious and a report will be made for the coroner.

He is survived by his wife Lauren and four children Ava, Sophie, Alfie and Isla.

Jock Zonfrillo and wife Lauren and kids Alfie and Isla. Picture: jockzonfrillo/facebook

On Monday, ahead of the MasterChef launch, Zonfrillo was lined up to do a series of media interviews including with Channel 10’s The Projectthat evening.

Tragically, co-host Melissa Leong did do an interview with a Perth radio station after Zonfrillo died – but before she knew about it – where she joked about her colleague.

On Sunday, NewsCorp newspapers published a lengthy interview with the three hosts. It was likely the final article with Zonfrillo published before his passing.

In it, he talked about how he was writing a pasta recipe book and his go to dish was cacio e pepe, which sees pasta smothered in cheese and pepper. He said his favourite chef was Simon Bryant, from TV’s The Cook and the Chef, who he lauded as “incredible”.

Chefs Simon Bryant and Jock Zonfrillo.

‘Super, super simple life’

But the interview also delved into other areas, one of which was what his “superpower” might be.

“I’m pretty good in any kind of stressful situation – if it’s somebody with blood gushing over their clothes, I don’t freak out,” he remarked of his superpower trait.

“It’s probably also why I’m able to operate on pretty minimal sleep. About four hours a night of solid sleep is the norm for me.”

Asked about his ambition, Zonfrillo said he’d “love to live a super, super simple life”.

“A small house in the middle of nowhere with kids, pets. Just a really simple, uncomplicated life away from everyone. But still part of a community in that remoteness I guess.

“But not the flashy extravagant lifestyle you’d expect from a TV person.”

All he needed to be happy, he said, was “a cup of tea and a teacake”.

When it came to surprises, Zonfrillo said that he was “hyper vigilant” and generally knew something was up.

“I kind of pick up the vibe and it makes me f**king paranoid. And then I get a sense of dread. And then when the surprise comes, I love it.

“I’d much rather be doing surprises for other people than being on the receiving end of one.”

MasterChef judges Andy Allen, Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo at the Melbourne Cup 2022. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Just hours after the article was published, Zonfrillo’s body would be found.

On Monday, when his death was still known to only a few, Leong was promoting the show online and on air.

Speaking on HIT WA Breakfast with Allan and Carly, she said that “over the years I used to be a very competitive eater, especially with Jock. I learned very quickly not to try to keep up with Jock because you will lose. He has hollow legs and can eat at a rate and a volume that defies physics, logic and science.”

Not long after that interview aired, Network Ten issued a media release announcing Zonfrillo’s passing, along with a devastating statement from his family.

Jock Zonfrillo with fellow chefs in Adelaide Paul Baker, Duncan Welgemoed, Andrew Davies, Jordan Theodoros, Maggie Beer and Karena Armstrong.

“With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday,” the family’s statement read.

“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.

“We implore you to please let us grieve privately as we find a way to navigate through this and find space on the other side to celebrate our irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend.”

Channel 10 has announced it will delay the debut of the new MasterChef season – which filming has wrapped up on – until at least next week.

Originally published as MasterChef host Jock Zonfrillo revealed ‘simple’ wish before he died