Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, famed for his 2004 expose "Super Size Me" on the fast food industry, has sadly passed away at 53.
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, famed for his 2004 expose "Super Size Me" on the fast food industry, has sadly passed away at 53.
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His death was the result of cancer complications, as reported by his family through a statement circulated by his publicist.
Spurlock, with more than 20 films and documentaries, including 2008's "Where in the World is Osama bin Laden" and the pulsating 2013 One Direction tour documentary "This Is Us," was indeed a formidable figure in the industry.
His shocking revelation of living strictly on a McDonald’s diet for a month in "Super Size Me" sparked global conversations and made him an Oscar-nominated star.
His brother and collaborator, Craig, expressed the family's grief, "The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. Through his ideas, charity, and art, Morgan contributed so much."
In “Super Size Me”, Spurlock invited the audience into his life as he consumed vast quantities of Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets, and gallons of cola. The epic experiment, lasting 30 days, saw him gaining 25lb (11kg), and the risk of serious health consequences.
This groundbreaking film asked pressing questions about the US food industry and hinted at the possibility of healthier alternatives.
However, Spurlock’s life was not without controversy. In 2017, he composed a self-admitting essay detailing his sexual misconduct amidst the rising wave of similar allegations within Hollywood.
He confessed to accusations of rape and settling a sexual harassment claim. His personal relationships were also tainted with infidelity, leading him to step down from the production company he co-founded in 2004.
In 2019, he returned to the screen with a sequel to "Super Size Me". He opened his own fast-food chain to explore the transformations within the industry over the years. With all the ups and downs, Morgan Spurlock leaves behind a legacy of impactful storytelling and a life lived in the public eye.