Jock Zonfrillo, who many have come to know and love as a judge on MasterChef Australia, has sadly passed away, aged 46.
His family has released a statement describing him as an “irreplaceable husband, father, brother, son and friend”:
“With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share 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 his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next 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.”
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No cause of death has been shared at this stage.
Jock had served as a judge on Masterchef Australia since 2019. He was also an author and a philanthropist.
The team at Network 10 have shared a statement too saying they are “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news, adding 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.”
The program will not air this week.
Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, who influenced his passion for cooking. He was just 12 years old when he began knocking on kitchen doors looking for a job. He became one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age and as an adult, worked with world-famous chefs all over the world.
Jock’s Restaurant Orana, in Adelaide, South Australia was recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020 and he also received the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren and four children, Ava, Sophie, Alfie and Isla.
(Feature Image Credit: courtesy Network 10)