Morgan Spurlock, the filmmaker best known for his documentary “Super Size Me,” has died at the age of 53. His family announced his death on Friday, stating he “passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on May 23, 2024, in New York from complications of cancer.”
Craig Spurlock, Morgan’s brother who worked with him on several projects, said, “It was a sad day as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. He 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.”
Morgan Spurlock gained fame with “Super Size Me,” which was released in 2004. The documentary earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature. In the film, Spurlock ate only McDonald’s meals for a month, always choosing the “super-size” option if offered. He documented the effects on his mental and physical health and examined the fast food industry.
By the end of the month, Spurlock experienced liver dysfunction, depression, a 25-pound weight gain, high cholesterol, and a low sex drive. He famously said in the film, “Everything’s bigger in America. We’ve got the biggest cars, the biggest houses, the biggest companies, the biggest food, and finally: the biggest people.”
One memorable scene showed children recognizing fast food mascots but not knowing George Washington. “Super Size Me” grossed $22 million worldwide and led McDonald’s to remove the “super-size” option from their menu. The film also paved the way for Eric Schlosser’s “Fast Food Nation,” which criticized the industry’s environmental and labor practices.
Spurlock continued making documentaries, including “Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden” (2008), “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” (2011), and “Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!” (2017). His production company, Warrior Poets, produced nearly 70 documentaries and series.
In 2017, during the #MeToo movement, Spurlock posted an open letter on Twitter admitting to being “part of the problem.” He revealed he had settled a 2009 sexual harassment claim and was accused of rape in college. He also admitted to being unfaithful in all his relationships. “For me, there was a moment of realization — as somebody who is a truth-teller and somebody who has made it a point of trying to do what’s right — of recognizing that I could do better in my own life. We should be able to admit we were wrong,” he told The Associated Press at the time.
After this confession, Spurlock stepped down from Warrior Poets, effectively ending his filmmaking career.
Spurlock is survived by his former spouses; two children, Laken and Kallen; his mother, Phyllis Spurlock; his father, Ben; two brothers, and several nieces and nephews.