“He made me eat healthier when I was a kid”: Morgan Spurlock, Sworn Enemy of McDonald’s, Passes Away at 53
American documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock was best known for his Academy Award-nominated documentary Super Size Me. Besides directing 23 films, he also produced 70 films. He was also the executive producer and star of the reality television series 30 Days between 2005 and 2008.
Spurlock has recently passed away and the entertainment industry is mourning his death. From The Simpsons writer and executive producer Al Jean to Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck documentarian Brett Morgen, numerous celebrities have expressed their sadness over his passing.
Morgan Spurlock Has Passed Away at the Age of 53
Morgan Spurlock began his career as a playwright and won awards for his play The Phoenix. Following this success, he began creating documentary films and shows. For instance, he created the MTV show I Bet You Will, which originally began as an internet webcast.
The documentary that helped him gain wide recognition was Super Size Me, in which he consumed only McDonald’s food for a month (from February 1 to March 2, 2003) to showcase the influence of fast food on his physical and psychological well-being.
Released in 2004, the documentary earned over $22 million against a budget of $65,000. Although it lost the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, it won Best Documentary Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America. A sequel to the movie was released in 2017.
The Hollywood Reporter recently reported that the documentarian passed away on Thursday at the age of 53 from cancer. In a family statement, Craig Spurlock said:
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.
Fans and Colleagues are Mourning Morgan Spurlock’s Demise
Spurlock’s art and creativity put the spotlight on important societal issues. This made him an important figure in the entertainment industry. His fellow documentarian Brett Morgen, who made the Emmy-nominated Jane Goodall doc Jane, wrote on X:
Morgan Spurlock achieved what most artists only dream: he actually changed the world with his art.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos paid a tribute to Spurlock in an Instagram story. He wrote:
Saddened to hear about the passing of director and friend Morgan Spurlock. At just 53, he had so much more to do. He was a real force in the documentary world bringing broader audiences and raising the profile of independent documentary film.
In addition to his friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry, fans have also expressed their sadness over his death. Here is what some of them wrote:
RIP, he made me eat healthier when I was a kid.
For about a week but still I really enjoyed his documentary.
— Joe Soon (@JoeSoon08) May 24, 2024
Rest on Legend 🕊️❤️
— 𝘿𝘾🥤 (@DCWale_CFC) May 24, 2024
R.I.P. least he has left us with something good in the world and empowered the world to make better choices for themselves even in a small way.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.😪
— 𝗞𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗨𝗦 (@KRANIUS) May 24, 2024
May he rest in eternal peace
— Denis Odhiambo (@DenPaul_) May 24, 2024
This is heartbreaking
— 𝘿𝘾🥤 (@DCWale_CFC) May 24, 2024
Besides food, Spurlock also made documentaries about the boy band One Direction, Comic-Con enthusiasts, and life in Henrico County Jail. He also explored the product placement and advertising in POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. His contributions to the industry will always be remembered.
