Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for AFI
Jock Zonfrilo Masterchef Australia The award-winning Scottish judge and chef has died unexpectedly at the age of 46.
His family confirmed his death yesterday in a statement: “With absolutely broken hearts and not knowing how we could navigate life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday.
“So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we are too overwhelmed to put it into words. For those who have crossed his path, become his companion, or been fortunate enough to have been in his family, keep this proud Scotsman in your hearts.” When you have whiskey next time.”
new season of Masterchef Australia It was due to air this week, but has been postponed.
In a statement, Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia said: “Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, much-loved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday. MasterChef will not be broadcast Australia this week.
Zonfrillo joined the chef team as judge alongside former winner and chef Andy Allen and food critic Melissa Long in 2019 following the exits of Gary Mehegan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston. While some worried that the changes would affect ratings, the show has continued to be one of the top-performing reality competitions in Australia and sells internationally.
The restaurateur was born in Glasgow, Scotland, as Barry Zonfrillo. By the age of fifteen, he had obtained an apprenticeship in the kitchens of the Tunberry Hotel before working under Marco Pierre White. He was appointed Head Chef at The Tresanston at the age of 22 in the UK before moving on to lead the kitchen at Restaurant 41 in Sydney, Australia, where he previously worked for a year. He opened two restaurants of his own in 2013, one of which, Orana, was awarded Best Restaurant in Australia by two publications, in 2018 and 2019.
Despite his success, Zonfrillo was forced to put both of his restaurants, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, into outstanding debt management. In 2002, he deliberately set fire to a novice chef, Martin Kramer, who was working slowly. He claimed it was a practical joke but a judge’s mistake awarded A$75,000 ($50,000) in damages. Zonfrillo declared bankruptcy in 2007 after Kramer issued a petition to creditors.
He released a memoir, Last Shot in 2021. Former mentor White claimed that “almost everything” Zonfrillo wrote about was “untrue”, but Zonfrillo defended the chapters, saying, “This is the story of my life.”
Zonfrilo is survived by his wife, Lauren Fried, and four children.
