Jock Zonfrillo passed away on April 30 at the age of 46. The famous television presenter, chef, and judge of ‘MasterChef Australia’ made a name for himself in different fields. His sudden and untimely death has saddened millions of people who watched the cookery show.
Several people took to the internet to pay their final tribute to his celebrated chef. One needs to know the body of work that Zonfrillo had to understand the gravity of his loss. So let us take an in-depth look at his life, career, and the cause of his eventual and tragic death.
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Life And Career Of Jock Zonfrillo
Born on August 4, 1976, in Glasgow, Scotland, Jock Zonfrillo to an Italian father and a Scottish mother. At the age of 13, he started part-time as a dishwasher in restaurant kitchens.
Two years later, he got an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel. Later on, he started working at Marco Pierre White restaurant and briefly at Arkle Restaurant in Chester, England. Zonfrillo then moved to Australia Bistro Blackwood and Orana restaurants in Adelaide. In 2019, he became a judge on ‘MasterChef Australia’ as well as ‘Junior MasterChef Australia.’
His life was also filled with controversies. In 2002, he set an apprentice on fire for working too slowly. Damages of amount $75,000 had to be paid after a court order and in 2007, he declared bankruptcy.
Zonfrillo also founded the Orana Foundation (to preserve ancient cooking techniques), wrote a memoir, and also maintained a YouTube channel.
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How Did He Die?
On April 30, 2023, Zonfrillo died at the age of 46 in Melbourne. No cause of death has been revealed. Network Ten was due to start screening a new season of ‘MasterChef’ with Zonfrillo.
In a statement, his family announced the news of his death. “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,” they said.
“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 statement added.
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