Haunting Last Gift MasterChef Star Received From Jock Zonfrillo Before Chef’s Shock Death: ‘It Has Helped Me So Many Times’
Returning MasterChef contestant Brent Draper has spoken about an important gift Judge Jock Zonfrillo gave him in 2021 as he struggled with his mental health.
Draper, 33, said Jock was touched by his struggle and gave him a set of worry beads as a parting gift when he left MasterChef mid-season two years ago.
“Three weeks after that, I wasn’t going anywhere without them, and they literally helped me relax and calm down so many times,” he told media at the time.
He added that Zonfrillo was an extremely caring person who was touched to learn about the challenges Brent faced, which forced him to leave the show.
“I keep the beads in my car. They hang there as a little reminder of where I’ve been and the people I have for support,” he said.
Returning MasterChef contestant Brent Draper (pictured) has revealed the gift judge Jock Zonfrillo gave him in 2021 as he struggled with his mental health
Brent posted a precious tribute to Zonfrillo on Instagram following his shocking death on April 30.
“They say you meet people in life for a reason, a season or a lifetime and what I know is that Jock Zonfrillio came into my life for a reason,” he wrote.
Though I wish it could have been a lifetime. I will never forget the impact Jock made on my life.”
Draper, 33, said Jock Zonfrillo (pictured) was moved by his struggle and gave him a set of worry beads as a parting gift when he left MasterChef mid-season two years ago
Zonfrillo was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room at around 2am on April 30 following a welfare check.
In the wake of the 46-year-old’s passing, one of the most powerful moments in MasterChef history is remembered as a testament to the type of person Zonfrillo was.
In 2021, Brent sensationally quit the show to take care of his mental health, informing Mr. Zonfrillo that he had “nothing left.”
“Three weeks after that I wasn’t going anywhere without them, and they literally helped me relax and calm down so many times,” he told media at the time. Pictured: Jock gives Brent the care beads
In an incredible TV moment, the judge took the 31-year-old aside and swallowed tears as he told Brent how proud he was of him.
“Mate, I know this hasn’t been an easy decision,” Zonfrillo said.
“We all want you to know that everyone in this kitchen is proud of you.”
MasterChef continues on Channel 10 at 7:30pm Monday
He added that Zonfrillo was an immensely caring person who was touched after learning about the challenges Brent faced, which forced him to leave the show.
Brent posted a precious tribute to Zonfrillo on Instagram after his shock death on April 30, writing that Jock came into his life for a ‘reason’