Zonfrillo died in Melbourne in the early hours of Monday morning (1 May). His death was confirmed by Australian TV broadcaster Network 10, while his family also shared a statement.
“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,” Zonfrillo’s family 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.
“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.”
No cause of death was given, but a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
Tributes from across the industry have been paid to Zonfrillo, who begun working in kitchens as a dishwasher at the age of 13.
Writing on Instagram, Jamie Oliver, who appeared alongside Zonfrillo on MasterChef Australia, said: “I’m in total shock to wake up to the sudden death of chef Jock Zonfrillo. We had the best time working together for this year’s aster chef [sic], I can’t tell how good it was to work with him!
“Jock was very generous to me with his time and spirit in the show and for that I was really grateful…Mellisa, Andy & Jock work as the most inspiring judges and mentors and each have there very own unique view and style… Jock will be so very missed.”
Gordon Ramsay also paid tribute. Writing on Twitter, he said: “Saddened by the devastating news of Jock Zonfrillo's passing.
“I truly enjoyed the time we spent together on MasterChef in Australia.”
Zonfrillo’s early career saw him cook at Restaurant Marco Pierre White in London and The Turnberry Hotel in Ayrshire.
He subsequently relocated to Australia where he opened several restaurants including Restaurant Orana in Adelaide, which was named Australia's 2019 Restaurant of the Year by The Good Food Guide.
Zonfrillo’s career was marred by moments of struggle and controversy. He has openly written about his battle with drugs, writing in his 2021 memoir Last Shot that he was homeless and addicted to heroin at the time he begun working for White.
In 2002 he was fired from his role as head chef at Restaurant 41 in Sydney after he set fire to an apprentice’s pants for working too slowly. He was subsequently sued and in 2007 declared bankruptcy.
Zonfrillo became a judge on MasterChef Australia – alongside Melissa Leong and Andy Allen – in 2019, replacing the show’s original hosts Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan.
He was scheduled to appear on the opening episode of the show’s 15th season yesterday, but the broadcast has been postponed in the wake of his death.
Zonfrillo is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children.