Award-winning chef and MasterChef Australia host Jacques Zonfrillo has died suddenly at the age of 46.
The Scotsman worked in famous restaurants around the world before opening his own restaurant in Australia.
His death was confirmed by broadcaster Network 10 on the day the 2023 season premiere of MasterChef aired.
Zonfrillo is survived by his wife, Lauren Fried, and four children, who said in a statement that they were heartbroken.
“To those who crossed his path, became his partner, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whiskey,” the family said. Ho,” said the family.
Zonfrillo was found dead at a Melbourne home when police conducted a welfare check early Monday morning. Victoria Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from figures in the culinary and entertainment worlds.
Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, as well as a host of former MasterChef contestants, paid tribute.
Oliver, who was scheduled to appear on the season opener, posted a photo on Instagram on set with Zonfrillo and two other judges, Melissa Leung and Andy Allen.
“I am shocked to learn of [Jock’s] sudden death.. It was a great time for this year’s MasterChef to work with us,” he wrote.
Ramsay wrote on Twitter: “Saddened by the devastating news… I really enjoyed our time together on MasterChef in Australia”.
Network 10 also paid tribute to the star, saying that Zonfrillo’s charisma, passion and wicked sense of humor inspired a nation of home cooks. MasterChef – which is pre-recorded – will not air this week as planned.
Born in Glasgow in 1976, Zonfrillo started working in kitchens at the age of 12. At the age of 15, he became one of the youngest apprentices ever to work at the luxury Scottish resort, The Turnberry Hotel.
Two years later he began working for Michelin-starred British chef Marco Pierre White at his famous Hyde Park Hotel.
But despite his burgeoning career, Zonfrillo said he became homeless and addicted to heroin in his teens. He detailed his struggles with drug addiction in his 2021 memoir, Last Shot.
He said he found a new direction when he moved to Australia in 2000, and went on to open several restaurants. His most successful was Adelaide’s award-winning restaurant Orana, which opened in 2013.
In 2019, the presenter was announced as part of the all-new host line-up for MasterChef Australia.
But Zonfrillo’s career was not without controversy. Orana closed in 2020 with millions of dollars in debt, and the last shot was dismissed by former colleagues including Marco Pierre White.
