'Super Size Me' Filmmaker Dead at 53
Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock has died aged 53, his family confirmed to Variety on Friday morning. The Oscar-nominated documentarian, best known for his 2004 fast food opus Super Size Me, passed due to complications from cancer.
“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” Craig Spurlock told the outlet. Craig worked with his brother on a number of projects, including 7 Deadly Sins and Morgan Spurlock Presents Freedom! The Movie. “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas and generosity. Today the world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.”
Super Size Me rocketed Spurlock to fame when it was released 20 years ago. The tongue-in-cheek investigation of America’s fast-food obsession saw Spurlock consume only McDonald’s for 30 consecutive days. He also lowered his amount of exercise to meet the average American’s threshold. Spurlock claims he gained 25 pounds by the end of the month.
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The picture earned rave reviews and captivated theatrical audiences as few documentaries are able to, grossing $22 million during its months-long run. It was later nominated at the 2005 Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature.
Super Size Me started a significant cultural conversation about the unhealthy habits promoted by fast food companies, although his methods and findings later came under criticism. After its release, McDonald’s summarily removed its Super Size options from menus.
Spurlock is survived by his two children, Laken and Kallen; as well as mother, Phyllis Spurlock, father Ben, and brothers Craig and Barry.