MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dead at 46

As Australia is left in shock over the death of Jock Zonfrillo — more details have come to light about how he spent his final weeks with his family.

As Australia is left in shock over the death of chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo — more details have come to light about how he spent his final weeks with his family.

The Scottish-born Zonfrillo, 46, was a renowned chef of the much-awarded Orana restaurant in South Australia and joined the Channel 10 program in 2019 for the 2020 season alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.

Production on this year’s season of MasterChef Australia finished about a month ago with Zonfrillo understood to have been in Europe on holiday with his family over recent weeks.

The Daily Telegraphreports his wife, Lauren, and their two young children, Alfie, 6, and Isla, 2, stayed in Rome when Zonfrillo flew home early ahead of the season launch.

The 46-year-old was also a dad to two adult children, Ava and Sophia, from his first two marriages.

Masterchef's Jock Zonfrillo with wife Lauren. Picture: Instagram

The couple shared two children. Picture: Instagram

He was understood to take part in a round of media interviews on Monday in the lead-up to the premiere episode.

He was due to be a guest live in the studio on The Project on Channel 10 in Melbourne Monday night.

Zonfrillo’s death was confirmed by Channel 10 in a statement on the same day MasterChef was scheduled to return for its 2023 season. The series has been pulled from broadcast for this week.

He died in Melbourne yesterday. A statement from Victoria Police said officers attended a hotel on Lygon Street for a welfare check, where they located a deceased man at approximately 2am. The police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

No cause of death has been released.

His family said: “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.

Jock Zonfrillo (left), Melissa Leong and Andy Allen when they joined MasterChef in 2020. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“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.”

MasterChef was due to return tonight but has now been pulled from broadcast. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, growing up in a household with a strong mixed-culture ethos, which is said to have fuelled his obsession with food.

He started looking for work in the industry when he was 12 years old. He worked an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at 15 and by the time he was 17, he was working with Marco Pierre White at the famous chef’s restaurant.

He opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana after moving to Australia. Orana was consistently awarded as one of the world’s best culinary establishment. Orana closed in 2020.

Zonfrillo at his wedding to wife Lauren in 2017.

Jock Zonfrillo and wife Lauren. Picture: jockzonfrillo/Instagram

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

A statement from Channel 10 and Endemol Shine Australia said, “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family.

“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.

“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”

Tributes from his colleagues have started to come in. TV personality Georgia Love wrote on Instagram, “Absolutely devastating. Jock was so incredibly kind to me, particularly through some really tough times. I am so, so sorry to all his loved ones and everyone who will be affected by this awful news.”

Restaurateur and former My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge posted, “RIP my friend, hope to have a whiskey again one day.”

Channel 9 host David Campbell tweeted, “This is terribly sad. My condolences to his wife and kids and all the people he works with,” while actor Rebecca Gibney wrote, “No words. Utterly heartbroken for you.”

Originally published as MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo dead at 46