Ever since Gordon Ramsay rose to fame, the chef who has cooked for world leaders has had a reputation for being harsh. After all, Gordon has engaged in public feuds, called out a celebrity who insulted his food, and been involved in several notable scandals.

However, since Gordon’s daughter is a sweet person and he was fun during his Hot Ones appearance, it has long been clear he has a softer side. Still, it was shocking to see Gordon display his soft side when he got emotional while talking about a MasterChef judge.

Gordon Ramsay Teared Up Over MasterChef Australia Judge Jock Zonfrillo’s Death
A little over a year before MasterChef premiered in America with Gordon Ramsay in a starring role, MasterChef Australia debuted. Highly successful, MasterChef Australia has been a television staple ever since 2009.

Due to MasterChef Australia’s longevity, the show has had several judges come and go over the years. During Seasons 9 and 10 of MasterChef Australia, Jock Zonfrillo served as a guest judge. Then, Jock was promoted and became one of the show’s main judges from Season 12 to Season 15.

Tragically, the world learned that Jock lost his life just before Season 15 of MasterChef Australia premiered in May 2023. After Jock passed away, Gordon spoke about him on camera and the usually hard-nosed chef was shown getting visibly emotional.

Gordon Ramsay looking seriousVia: Instar
After Jock suddenly passed away, Australia’s The Sunday Project, which airs on Network 10, aired a tribute show to him. That show featured interviews with several famous chefs praising Jock and talking about their relationships with him.

Several other celebrity chefs paid tribute to Jock Zonfrillo during the tribute episode of The Sunday Project. For example, Nigella Lawson, Marco Pierre White, Jamie Oliver, and Maggie Beer all expressed their love for Jock during the tribute episode.

As an article from The Daily Mail at the time revealed, Gordon Ramsay appeared during that highly emotional episode. While talking about Jock, Gordon showed his emotional side that he typically keeps hidden away. As Gordon spoke, he had to take a second to collect himself as he apologized for starting to tear up during the interview.

“S**t. Sorry. It’s just so painful. That’s all.”

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During the same tribute episode, Gordon spoke about what he found so exciting about watching Jock rise to prominence. Based on Gordon’s comments, he believed that Jock was the perfect person to inspire the next generation of chefs as one of MasterChef Australia’s judges.

“Watching his delight and watching him grow in stature. He put a spell on these home cooks. He lit up that kitchen.”

Jock Zonfrillo and MasterChef judges tasting foodVia:YouTube/MasterChef World
It makes sense that Gordon was so emotional about what happened to Jock. After all, the two famed chefs repeatedly hinted at their history that goes beyond their MasterChef connections.

How much older was Gordon Ramsay than Jock Zonfrillo, according to Famous Birthdays?

Gordon Ramsay’s birthday:

November 8, 1966

Jock Zonfrillo’s birthday:

August 4, 1976

How much older was Gordon Ramsay than Jock Zonfrillo?:

9 years, 8 months, and 27 days

For example, one Facebook video that MasterChef Australia uploaded in April 2020 showed Jock talking about what it is like to be around Gordon in the kitchen. In the video, Jock gave tips on how chefs should handle themselves around Gordon in the kitchen.

“Two things that these guys are going to need to bear in mind if they’re going to keep up with Gordon Ramsay. One, don’t panic. And believe you me, when you’re trying to keep up with a chef like that, three Michelin stars, you’re going to naturally start to panic. Second thing is to cook with conviction and confidence. If they don’t, they’re going to lag behind, and they’re not going to get it finished within 10 seconds of him.”

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In a separate video that MasterChef Australia uploaded to Facebook in April 2020, Gordon and Jock can be seen reminiscing about their shared history. While sitting at the MasterChef Australia judges’ table, Gordon asked Jock if it felt like old times for him.

“Bringing back memories when we were together back in Chelsea?”

After Jock made it clear the situation was taking him back, Gordon asked if they were good or bad memories. “Memories or nightmares?” Jock then made Gordon laugh as he answered th