'Super Size Me' Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock Passes Away at 53 After Cancer Fight

Famed director Morgan Spurlock passed away at 53 years old on Thursday, May 23, due to complications from cancer.

“It was a heartbreaking day for us as we bid farewell to my brother Morgan,” Craig Spurlock expressed in a statement to We. “Morgan contributed greatly through his art, thoughts, and kindness. The world has lost a genuine creative talent and a remarkable person. I feel honored to have collaborated with him.”

Spurlock passed away in New York on Thursday, with his loved ones by his side, as mentioned in the statement.

He became famous for his 2004 movie Super Size Me, where he ate McDonald's daily for a month. Spurlock was even nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category the year after.

Spurlock has openly discussed the lasting impact that Super Size Me had on his health, while also mentioning his continued love for burgers. In a 2010 interview, he mentioned that the film transformed him into a label reader and made him a more conscious consumer than ever before.

Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock dead at 53 23

Morgan Spurlock Cover Images

During our conversation, he mentioned that the biggest change he experienced after filming the movie was in his ability to gain weight.

He explained, "I can easily gain four or five pounds in just a weekend. It's amazing how my body seems to have lost its ability to bounce back."

Spurlock not only directed the famous documentary Super Size Me but also worked with the popular boy band One Direction on their 2013 film, This Is Us.

In an interview with Teen Vogue back in 2013, Spurlock shared his thoughts on the members of One Direction - Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan. He described them as incredibly charming and likeable guys that you can't help but root for. Spurlock mentioned that the documentary would reveal a new side of the boys to their fans.

In 2017, Spurlock was getting ready to launch Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! During this time, he wrote a blog post that received a lot of criticism, especially during the #MeToo movement. In the post, he confessed to inappropriate behavior and acknowledged that he was contributing to the issue in Hollywood. Following this, he sought help for his alcohol addiction and quietly released the sequel to Super Size Me.

Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock dead at 53

During a 2019 interview with Deadline, Morgan Spurlock discussed his decision to release the blog post. He mentioned that he regretted the impact it had on his family and those close to him.

He started by feeling the need to open up about his depression and share his emotional state at that time. As he continued, it turned into something much larger for him. It evolved into a flow of emotions that he had to release. It was a moment of realization where he felt compelled to address certain aspects of his past. Being someone who is dedicated to seeking the truth and discussing important matters, he felt the urge to acknowledge his faults and strive for improvement.

Editor's P/S:

The untimely passing of Morgan Spurlock is a significant loss to the film industry and beyond. His groundbreaking documentary "Super Size Me" brought critical attention to the detrimental effects of fast food consumption, sparking a national conversation about public health. Spurlock's honesty and transparency regarding his personal struggles, including his battle with alcoholism and allegations of inappropriate behavior, demonstrated his commitment to confronting difficult truths. His willingness to share his experiences, both positive and negative, serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability, redemption, and seeking help when needed.

Spurlock's work extends beyond health-related documentaries. His collaboration with One Direction showcased his versatility as a filmmaker, while his advocacy for mental health awareness highlighted his humanitarian spirit. Despite facing criticism and personal challenges, Spurlock remained dedicated to using his platform to shed light on important social issues. His legacy as a visionary director, thought-provoking storyteller, and advocate for change will continue to inspire generations to come.