MasterChef’s Jock Zonfrillo Has Died, Aged 46
In devastating news, MasterChef judge and celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo has passed away at aged 46.
Channel 10, MasterChef Australia, and Jock’s family made the announcement Monday afternoon, with MasterChef stating the show would not premiere this week as planned.
“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,” MasterChef announced via Instagram.
“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”
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On Jock’s personal Instagram page, his family shared their own message. “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.
“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.”
Jock joined the MasterChef family in 2019, after working in famous restaurants and kitchens all over the world. He opened the critically acclaimed Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide upon moving to Australia, with Restaurant Orana recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020.
People have flooded to Instagram to express their shock at the tragic news.
“I’m so shocked and saddened by this. Jock was so kind, to me and to anyone else I’ve heard he ever had contact with. I’m so sorry,” former Bachelorette Georgia Love posted.
Channel 10 released a statement from Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President of the network.
“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.”
Peter Newman, Chief Executive Officer at Endemol Shine had this to say regarding Jock’s unexpected passing.
“We are shocked and extremely saddened by the news of Jock’s passing. 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. He will be deeply missed by the entire MasterChef team. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Jock has two children with his wife Lauren Fried, who he married in 2017, and two older daughters from his previous marriages.
Our thoughts go out to Jock’s family during this extremely tough time.