Tommy Little’s regrets about the last time he saw MasterChef star Jock Zonfrillo – and why he wishes he’d done things differently
Comedian Tommy Little spoke about the “only regret” he has about his late friend Jock Zonfrillo during The Project’s tribute to the late MasterChef judge on Sunday night.
Little, 38, said he feels guilty that his last encounter with Zonfrillo was when he interrupted the chef at dinner with his wife Lauren Fried.
The Scottish-born restaurateur, who died of natural causes on April 30, was too polite to tell Little to go, so the trio had a lengthy chat during one of Fried’s very last dates with her husband.
“The only thing I regret is that the last time I saw him I interrupted his dinner with Lauren and he didn’t tell me to go,” said Little, who knew Zonfrillo well since they both Channel Ten employees.
“Had I known he would have so few dinners with the love of his life I would never have stopped by. i love you buddy I miss you.’
Tommy Little (left) spoke on a special episode of The Sunday Project about the “only regret” he has about his late friend Jock Zonfrillo (right). Also pictured is Carrie Bickmore
Little said he would always remember Zonfrillo’s immense kindness and hospitality when it came to helping him prepare a meal.
“He used to reassure me when I texted him with questions about the cheese. He offered to show me around his house how to cook,’ he said.
The Sunday Project paid a special tribute to the late Zonfrillo ahead of the premiere of his final season of MasterChef Australia.
Gordon Ramsay, Nigella Lawson and Marco Pierre White were among those who shared their memories during the emotional episode.
Tommy Little (pictured) spoke about the “only regret” he has about his late friend Jock Zonfrillo on a special episode of The Sunday Project
Ramsay broke down in tears as he described how Zonfrillo “lit up the kitchen” and the profound impact his death had on the cooking world.
“The waves were devastating. Nobody gets over it that quickly. If there’s one thing we’ve done as chefs, then we’re united and we’re talking about the good times,” he said, fighting back tears.
Crap. Forgiveness. It’s just so painful. That’s all,’ he added, taking some time to collect himself.
“My only regret is that the last time I saw him I interrupted his dinner with Lauren and he didn’t tell me to go,” he said in a tribute
Pierre White said in his own tribute that Zonfrillo has qualities that “few chefs possess” and will live on through MasterChef.
“Jock Zonfrillo will never die. He will live on through everyone he has touched,” said the British chef.
Jamie Oliver, who is guest judge at MasterChef Australia this season, added: “I think Jock’s superpower was his curiosity. He was super curious and fascinated with people, food and travel.”
Zonfrillo died on April 30 at the age of 46. He is survived by his third wife, Lauren Fried, and his four children: adult daughters Ava and Sophia from his first two marriages, and six-year-old Alfie and two-year-old Isla, with Fried.
The Sunday Project paid tribute to the late Jock Zonfrillo ahead of the premiere of his final season of MasterChef Australia