Jock Zonfrillo, Chef & MasterChef Australia Judge, Dies At 46

Scottish TV host and former chef Jock Zonfrillo, who was most recently a judge on “MasterChef Australia,” passed away unexpectedly. He was 46.

According to a statement released by TV broadcaster Network Ten on Monday, Zonfrillo passed away on April 30 in Melbourne. The cause of death was not made public.

A new season of the programme, with Jamie Oliver as a guest judge, was scheduled to premiere on the network. According to the broadcaster, “MasterChef Australia” won’t be on this week.

“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,” said Zonfrillo’s family in a statement carried as part of a Network Ten news release. “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.”

Zonfrillo was born to Italian father and a Scottish mother, and began an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel when he was 15 years old. He was born in Glasgow. By the age of 17, he was assisting Marco Pierre White at his restaurant of the same name.

After relocating to Australia, Zonfrillo established Adelaide’s Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana, the latter of which garnered notable culinary accolades. According to Network Ten, Jock “In 2019, Jock was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.”

He had an interesting and contentious life. In his restaurant in 2002, he allegedly set fire to an apprentice for working too slowly. A court ordered damages, but he failed to pay them and was declared bankrupt in 2007. His Orana Foundation, which aimed to conserve traditional cooking methods, as well as the failure of the two Adelaide restaurants, were the subject of more controversy.

Zonfrillo had three marriages and found his third wife, Lauren Fried, on Twitter.

“We are shocked and extremely saddened by the news of Jock’s passing. Jock was an incredible talent, not just as a renowned chef, but as someone who could bring joy into the homes of people in Australia and around the world in his role as judge on MasterChef Australia,” according to Peter Newman, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, the program’s producer. “On set he was loved by the team and his passion for food and the show was infectious. He was also a brilliant champion for the contestants on MasterChef, always wanting the very best for them.”