The sudden passing of Barry “Jock” Zonfrillo, a beloved judge on MasterChef Australia, has left fans of the show devastated. Jock was not only a well-respected chef and restaurateur but also a much-loved personality on the show. His untimely death at the age of 46 on April 30, 2023, has left many wondering about the cause of his passing. In this article, we will explore what we know so far about Jock Zonfrillo’s cause of death and what this means for his family, friends, and the culinary world.
Who Was Jock Zonfrillo?
Jock Zonfrillo, an accomplished Scottish chef, restaurateur, and television presenter, was based in Melbourne, Australia, throughout his career. Born as Barry Zonfrillo on August 4, 1976, in Glasgow, Scotland, he hailed from a mixed heritage, with an Italian father and a Scottish mother family. Jock started working part-time as a dishwasher in kitchens at the young age of 13, while he was still attending school. At 15, he left school and began his apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel kitchens, followed by the Arkle Restaurant in Chester and, eventually, the Marco Pierre White restaurant, where he earned the title of Young Scottish Chef of the Year in 1993.
Although Jock battled heroin addiction in his teenage years, he moved to Sydney and overcame his addiction. He then founded The Orana Foundation, an organization focused on preserving and promoting Indigenous Australian food culture. Alongside Andy Allen and Melissa Leong, Jock served as one of the judges on MasterChef Australia, winning national and international awards for his culinary excellence and becoming a television sensation. Tragically, Jock passed away suddenly on April 30, 2023, in Melbourne at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
What was Jock Zonfrillo’s cause of death?
Jock Zonfrillo’s cause of death remains unknown. BBC News reported that the Scottish-born chef passed away “suddenly.” However, there have been reports suggesting that Jock had privately battled bowel cancer for several years. The Daily Mail Australia alleged that Jock had lost weight due to chemotherapy-induced nausea and excessive vomiting and had confided his diagnosis to a friend. Notably, Jock did not mention his illness in his 2021 memoir, Last Shot. The family has refrained from sharing any information about the cause of his passing and has respectfully requested privacy during this challenging period.
Jock Zonfrillo had been open about his life experiences, both positive and negative, prior to his passing. In his memoir titled Last Shot, the MasterChef Australia judge shared that he battled heroin addiction in his 20s but was able to overcome it and pursue a career in the culinary industry.
Who are Jock Zonfrillo Wife and his family?
In his later years, Jock was married multiple times. He met his third wife, Laura Fried, on Twitter in January 2017. Together, they had two children, and Jock frequently shared pictures of his family on his Instagram account.
After Jock’s sudden death, his family released a statement requesting privacy as they deal with their loss.
“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 presenter’s family shared in a statement via Instagram. “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,” the post continued. “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 Zonfrillo’s ‘Masterchef’ Family Expressed Their Condolences
In response to the statement released by Jock Zonfrillo’s family, many of his acquaintances and colleagues took to social media to express their condolences. Among them was Gordon Ramsay, the long-time host, and judge of MasterChef, who posted a heartfelt tribute to Jock on Twitter. He wrote, “Saddened by the devastating news … I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia.”
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 Gx
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) May 1, 2023
Jamie Oliver, who was a part of the MasterChef Australia Season 15 alongside Jock Zonfrillo and fellow judges Melissa Leong and Andy Allen, also shared his condolences for the late chef. Jamie expressed his deep sense of loss and shock in an Instagram post where he shared a picture of himself with Jock. “I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of [Jock]…we had the best time working together for this year’s MasterChef,” Jamie wrote.
Network 10, the television studio that broadcasts MasterChef Australia, issued an official statement on its Facebook page to honor Jock Zonfrillo’s memory. The network praised Jock’s “charisma, wicked sense of humor, generosity, passion, and love for food and his family,” acknowledging that these qualities could not be quantified. Additionally, the statement announced that the show would not air a new episode during the week of May 1, 2023, as a tribute to Jock.
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