Famed documentarian Morgan Spurlock, visionary behind ‘Super Size Me’, passes away

Morgan Spurlock, the renowned filmmaker who gained fame for his documentary Super Size Me, has sadly passed away at the age of 53.

A statement issued by his family revealed that Spurlock died on Thursday, May 21 from complications of cancer.

“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” Craig Spurlock said in the statement.

“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.”

Born November 7, 1970, Spurlock began his media career as a playwright, earning accolades for his play The Phoenix at both the New York International Fringe Festival in 1999 and the Route 66 American Playwriting Competition in 2000.

In 2004 he co-founded the production studio Warrior Poets, which went on to produce the films he directed and produced throughout his career.

Spurlock’s most famous work, Super Size Me, released in 2004, documented his 30-day experiment of eating only McDonald’s food, resulting in significant weight gain and health issues. The film was a commercial success, earning $22 million from a $65,000 budget and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

Spurlock continued to explore social issues through films like Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden? and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. He also directed The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special – In 3-D! On Ice!.

His television work includes hosting and producing the CNN series Morgan Spurlock Inside Man and creating the series 30 Days, where participants immersed themselves in various lifestyles for a month to highlight social issues.

Spurlock’s unique and provocative style left a lasting legacy in the world of documentary filmmaking.

Following his passing, tributes have poured in from fans worldwide, celebrating Spurlock’s significant contributions to documentary filmmaking.

Morgan Spurlock achieved what most artists only dream: he actually changed the world with his art. He was an amazing father, brother, friend and one of the most important and influential filmmakers of my time. My heart breaks for his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/1s4EF321Lx

— Brett Morgen (@brettmorgen) May 24, 2024

Damn, that’s really sad. “Super Size Me” was such an eye-opener for so many people. RIP Morgan Spurlock.

— Vicky Cruz (@victoricruzz) May 24, 2024

My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
RIP

— Isabella Bodnar (@IsabellaBodnar) May 24, 2024

RIP Morgan. Always the kindest and coolest. What a filmmaker.

— Kirsten ‘Kiwi’ Smith 🥝 (@KiwiLovesYou) May 24, 2024

R.I.P. least he has left us with something good in the world and empowered the world to make better choices for themselves even in a small way.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.😪

— 𝗞𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗨𝗦 (@KRANIUS) May 24, 2024

He is survived by two sons — Laken and Kallen; his mother Phyllis Spurlock; father Ben; brothers Craig and Barry; and former spouses Alexandra Jamieson and Sara Bernstein, who are the mothers of his children.

-with AP.