MasterChef Australia choose Jock Zonfrillo has handed away all of a sudden on the age of 46. The chef died in Melbourne on Sunday. The official reason for his demise has not been revealed but. The information got here only a few hours earlier than the brand new season premiere of MasterChef, during which the chef was set to seem.
Zonfrillo started his kitchen profession within the UK and labored in a variety of eating places internationally earlier than settling down in Australia and opening his personal restaurant. Learn on to know extra about his life and profession.
MasterChef Australia Choose Jock Zonfrillo Passes Away at 46
Zonfrillo’s physique was discovered by the police once they performed a welfare test round 2 am on Monday. A Victoria Police spokesperson has confirmed that the case just isn’t being thought-about as suspicious.
Zonfrillo’s household introduced the information of his demise with an announcement: “With utterly shattered hearts and with out understanding how we are able to presumably transfer via life with out him, we’re devastated to share that Jock handed away yesterday.”
“So many phrases can describe him, so many tales might be instructed, however presently we’re too overwhelmed to place them into phrases. For many who crossed his path, grew to become his mate, or had been fortunate sufficient to be his household, hold this proud Scot in your hearts when you have got your subsequent whisky.”
The 2023 season premiere of MasterChef Australia was set to premiere on Monday. Zonfrillo had shot for the episode together with chef Jamie Oliver. Community 10 has now confirmed that the episode won’t be aired now.
Tributes Pour In for the Chef
Zonfrillo’s sudden demise has despatched shockwaves internationally, and a variety of individuals have expressed their grief over the incident. Celeb Chef Gordon Ramsay tweeted, “Saddened by the devastating information of Jock Zonfrillo’s passing. I really loved the time we spent collectively on MasterChef in Australia. Sending all my like to Lauren and the household on this troublesome time.”
Jamie Oliver posted an image from the units of MasterChef and wrote, “I’m in whole shock to get up to the sudden demise of chef Jock Zonfrillo. We had the very best time working collectively for this years grasp chef, I can’t inform how good it was to work with him! Jock was very beneficiant to me together with his time and spirit within the present and for that I used to be actually grateful.”
Zonfrillo Began Working on the Age of 13
Born in Scotland in 1976, Zonfrillo began working part-time as a dishwasher in eating places on the age of 13. Two years later, he grew to become an apprentice on the luxurious Scottish resort, The Turnberry Lodge. He then labored on the Arkle Restaurant in Chester and for Michelin-starred British chef Marco Pierre White at Hyde Park Lodge.
Whereas he was rising in his profession, Zonfrillo additionally acquired hooked on heroin. Nonetheless, he overcame the habit and have become the top chef at Cornwall’s Tresanton Lodge on the age of twenty-two. The chef went on to open a number of eating places in Australia, together with Restaurant Orana, Nonna Mallozzi, and Bistro Blackwood.
Zonfrillo joined MasterChef Australia as a choose in 2019, together with Melissa Leong and Andy Allen. The trio changed the unique hosts of the present, Matt Preston, George Calombaris, and Gary Mehigan.
Our condolences to Jock Zonfrillo’s household and mates. Might his soul relaxation in peace!
