MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo was reportedly secretly battling with recurrent bowel cancer in the years before his death at age 46.
According to the Daily Mail, the TV chef kept his diagnosis from the public, receiving treatment while the hit show was not filming.
The outlet is not suggesting that this was the cause; however, it is understood he was first treated for bowel cancer with chemotherapy and radiotherapy a few years ago, before going into remission in 2016.
In 2021, the cancer was reportedly found again with an unnamed friend telling the outlet that he was “coping poorly” with the diagnosis.
Jock Zonfrillo didn’t talk about the diagnosis in his memoir
Zonfrillo’s memoir Long Shot made no mention of cancer; however, an anonymous source made mention of it to the Mail in 2021 but it was never published.
“I was told the reason why he hasn’t disclosed his medical condition was because he didn’t want people feeling sorry for him, or treating him any different,” they said.
Network Ten has since denied these claims to News.com.au.
Andy Allen and Melissa Leong are said to be “broken”
Entertainment reporter Angela Bishop appeared on The Project on Monday (where he was scheduled to appear) saying his co-stars were “devastated” and “broken” by the news.
“It is a loss of the member of the family here at ten,” Bishop said. “Only 46. That is why this is such a shocking piece of news… They would work 16 hours days together for MasterChef, you couldn’t find closer work mates and confidantes.
“They are devastated, broken is the word descried to me, they are trying to process this news.”
In a radio appearance to promote the new Secrets and Surprises season of MasterChef on Monday, Melissa Leong commented on the close friendship the three judges had.
Jock Zonfrillo’s death
Zonfrillo was found dead at 2am on Monday, April May 1 in a hotel on Lygon St, Melbourne after police performed a welfare check. Reports also suggest that his passing is not being treated as suspicious and a coroners report is underway.
He is survived by wife Lauren and his four children, Ava, Sophie, Alfie and Isla.
Network Ten announce his death
At 2pm on May 1, Network Ten announced the sudden death of the beloved TV host.
“Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef Australia family. Jock passed away in Melbourne yesterday.
“Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son.
“Determined and talented and with plenty of grit, Jock was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother, which meant his formative years were heavily influenced by two strong cultures and it was his obsession with food and desire for a new pushbike that at just 12 years old fuelled Jock to knock on kitchen doors looking for a job.
“Jock’s love and passion for food saw him become one of the youngest culinary students to do an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at just 15 years of age. From that point onwards there was no holding him back and by 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White.
Network Ten talk about his career
“Throughout his career he worked with world famous chefs and in restaurants all over the world. His talent saw him shine in the world’s most formidable kitchens and he opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide after moving to Australia.
“Jock’s Restaurant Orana was recognised with the coveted distinction of three hats in both 2019 and 2020 and he also received global accolades, accepting the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize in 2018.
“In 2019, Jock was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks.
“Jock’s charisma, wicked sense of humour, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed.”
Zonfrillo’s family also deliver a statement
His family also released 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.”
MasterChef Australia was set to premiere the same day; however has now been pushed back.
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