Documentarian Morgan Spurlock Dies Aged 53

The filmmaker, known for his activist causes on food and other subjects, and for taking a bold, sometimes health-risking approach to his work, had cancer.

Director Morgan Spurlock in 'Super Size Me'. Photo: Samuel Goldwyn Films.

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Morgan Spurlock has died at the age of 53.
He was known for work such as ‘Super Size Me’ and ‘The Greatest Movie Ever Sold’.
Spurlock’s family paid tribute.

Morgan Spurlock, who became known for his boundary-pushing, populist and crusading documentaries, died on Thursday. He was 53.

Spurlock had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment but passed away from complications of the disease.

Morgan Spurlock: Early Life and Career

Morgan Spurlock arrives for the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Morgan Spurlock was born on November 7th, 1970, in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He started his career in the film industry as a production assistant and writer.

‘Super Size Me,’ released in 2004, brought Spurlock international recognition. In the film, he explored the impact of fast food consumption on health by eating only McDonald’s food for 30 days, even though he knew it would have a negative impact on his body. The documentary received widespread acclaim for its bold approach and garnered several awards. He followed it up in 2017 with sequel ‘Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!’

Super Size Me

"The first ever reality-based movie ... everything begins and ends in 30 days!"

PG-131 hr 40 minJan 17th, 2004

Watch Super Size Me Online

Spurlock continued to make thought-provoking documentaries on various subjects, including consumerism, advertising, and the food industry. Some of his other notable works include ‘Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?’, ‘The Greatest Movie Ever Sold’ and ‘Rats.’

Beyond filmmaking, Spurlock has been involved in television production, hosting various documentary series. He is known for his unique storytelling style, combining humor and investigative journalism to shed light on contemporary issues. Spurlock’s work inspired audiences and provoked discussions on important societal topics.

Inside Man

NR4 SeasonsJune 23rd, 2013

Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock provides an insider's view of diverse social and economic issues facing Americans today. Read the Plot

Morgan Spurlock: Controversies

Director Morgan Spurlock in 'POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold'. Photo: Sony Pictures Classics.

Despite his crusading, progressive work, Spurlock was not without incident.

In 2017, he admitted to committing sexual misconduct, including that he was accused of rape in college, settled a sexual harassment lawsuit and has cheated on all of his romantic partners, including both of his wives, according to NBC News. “As I sit around watching hero after hero, man after man, fall at the realization of their past indiscretions, I don’t sit by and wonder ‘who will be next?’ I wonder, ‘when will they come for me?’ You see, I’ve come to understand after months of these revelations, that I am not some innocent bystander, I am also a part of the problem,” he wrote in a Twitter post you can find here.

Morgan Spurlock Dies: His Brother Speaks

(L to R) Morgan Spurlock and guest arrive for the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012. Credit/Provider: Richard Harbaugh /©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

Craig Spurlock, the director’s brother and frequent collaborator, paid tribute in a statement:

“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. 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.”

Spurlock is survived by his two children, Laken and Kallen, his parents and siblings, multiple nieces and nephews and former spouses, Alexandra Jamieson and Sara Bernstein.