‘Super Size Me’ Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock Dies At 53

Acclaimed filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, best known for his documentary Super Size Me, died on May 23 in New York City at the age of 53 from cancer complications.

Spurlock’s family announced his death with his brother Craig’s statement, “It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.”  

Spurlock’s 2004 film Super Size Me catapulted him to critical acclaim and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature. In the documentary, Spurlock challenged himself to eat only meals from McDonald’s for an entire month to shed light on the fast food industry’s impact on health and wellness. The film’s provocative and insightful approach made it a landmark in the genre.

Beyond Super Size Me, Spurlock’s filmography includes Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden? (2008) and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (2011).

Spurlock also made headlines for his personal journey and advocacy in the later years of his career. In 2017, amid the rise of the #MeToo movement, Spurlock penned an essay acknowledging he had been “part of the problem” and revealed that he had once settled a sexual harassment allegation made by his assistant. This admission marked a turning point for Spurlock, who then spoke openly about his efforts to make amends and become a champion for positive change.

“I’ve tried to make right with my family and to make amends to people over the years that I felt like I should’ve treated better along the way. That’s a big part of the journey right now,” Spurlock told Deadline in a 2019 interview. He added, “I’m hopeful that in time, with the work that I do and the changes that I continue to go through, that I can be there on the right side.”

Spurlock is survived by his two sons and his parents, siblings and former spouses.