‘MasterChef Australia’ Judge Jock Zonfrillo Dies At 46

Scottish-born chef, restaurateur and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo has died at the age of 46.

Hours before Season 15 of the cooking competition was due to debut, Zonfrillo’s family announced the news in a statement they shared on Instagram.

“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 message 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 whiskey.”

The statement ended with a request for privacy as the family grieves the “irreplaceable” man. Zonfrillo is survived by wife Lauren Fried and his four children.

Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald reported that Victoria Police confirmed they discovered the body of a 46-year-old man at a Melbourne hotel apartment while there for a welfare check. The cause of death has not been revealed.

In the wake of the news, MasterChef Australia’s production company, Endemol Shine, and Network 10 tweeted that they were “deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss,” adding that the season premiere of the series has been postponed and no episodes will air this week.

The message continued on Instagram, noting that “Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”

Zonfrillo joined the culinary series in 2019, after having long established himself as worthy to judge other chefs. He was just 15 years old when he did an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel, and by the age of 17, he was working alongside chef Marco Pierre White at the three-time Micheline star winner’s restaurant. Four years later, Zonfrillo reached his first head chef position at The Tresanton Hotel. He opened Australia’s once-celebrated and now-closed Restaurant Orana in 2013.

A number of Zonfrillo’s fellow television chefs took to social media with posts sharing their grief and their memories of their late friend and colleague.

Veteran TV chef Jamie Oliver, who’ll appear on the new season of MasterChef Australia, tweeted, “In total shock to hear of the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. Had the best time working with him for this year’s @MasterChefau. Jock was very generous with his time and spirit in the show and will be so very missed. Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and the MasterChef team and contestants.”

In a tweet of his own, U.S. Masterchef star Gordon Ramsay wrote a similar message, stating that he was “saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing. I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my love to Lauren and the family in this difficult time.”

Nigella Lawson was among the celebrity chefs to respond to the statement shared on Zonfrillo’s Instagram, writing, “My deepest, deepest sympathies and much love to Jock’s family and friends. How devastating. How unbearable. My heart goes out to you.”

And Reynold Poernomo, who competed on both Season 7 and 12 of MasterChef Australia added, “I’m so shocked… rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones.”