An acclaimed Scottish chef who set up in Australia and became a judge on the country's edition of Masterchef has died unexpectedly aged 46, leaving behind wife Lauren Fried and his four children.
Jock Zonfrillo, from Glasgow, died on Sunday April 30, according to a statement issued by his family. The chef, born Barry Zonfrillo, began working in kitchens as a youngster, becoming an apprentice at the Turnberry Resort at the age of 15 and later working under Marco Pierre White.
However, by his own admission he had problems with drugs in his late teens, which he detailed in his 2021 autobiography, The Long Shot. He later relocated to Australia, opening his own restaurant, Restaurant Orana, in Adelaide in 2013.
His cooking earned him huge plaudits from Australia's food writers and he then joined Masterchef Australia in 2019. However, his businesses were later hit with financial trouble and closed in 2019 and 2020.
Zonfrillo also faced professional controversies in 2002, when he deliberately set fire to apprentice chef Martin Krammer over claims he was working too slowly. The Scot had tried to downplay the incident as a practical joke but Krammer was awarded damages of 50,000 Australian dollars, prompting Zonfrillo to file for bankruptcy in 2007.
In a statement, 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. 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 in his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you next have a 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."
Victoria Police said they had attended an address on Lygon Street in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton for a welfare check where they found a body at around 2am on Monday May 1. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes have been paid to Zonfrillo by fans and fellow chefs on social media. Jamie Oliver shared a photo of himself with the Scot during production on Instagram.
He wrote: "I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. We had the best time working together for this year's MasterChef, I can’t tell [you] how good it was to work with him!
"Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful. Jock will be so very missed…I can’t believe I’m writing this.
"Sending heart felt love and condolences to all of his family, friends and his second family, the MasterChef team and contestants."
Gordon Ramsay tweeted: "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 [Fried, his wife] and the family in this difficult time."
Masterchef Australia competitor Reynold Poernomo wrote: "I’m so shocked… rest in peace chef, my heart and condolences to loved ones."
Irish chef Colin Fassnidge wrote: "Such a shock...Love to his family. Sleep well my friend...I’m floored."
A new series of Masterchef Australia was due to air this week but has been postponed out of respect to his family. Broadcasters Network 10 and producers Endemol Shine Australia issued a joint statement paying tribute to the chef and judge.
"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 passed away in Melbourne yesterday," a combined statement read.
"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.
"Determined and talented and with plenty of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant his formative years were heavily influenced by two strong cultures. Throughout his career he worked with world famous chefs and in restaurants all over the world. His talent saw him shine in the world's most formidable kitchens and he opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide after moving to Australia.
"Jock's Restaurant Orana was recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020 and he also received global accolades, accepting the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018. 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.
"Jock's charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed."
Beverly McGarvey, executive vice president at Paramount ANZ, said Zonfrillo was an "extraordinary man". "This is a terribly sad day for Jock's family and friends, his Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia colleagues and for MasterChef fans around Australia and the world," McGarvey said.
"Jock was an extraordinary man. He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged to have had him play such an important and impactful role in MasterChef.
"Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time."
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