Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock has passed away, after battling cancer. The news was announced by his family, and the official press release about the news reads as follows:
The family of the award-winning documentary filmmaking maverick, Morgan Spurlock, announced today that he passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on May 23, 2024, in New York from complications of cancer.
“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” says Craig Spurlock who worked with him on several projects. “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.”
Spurlock achieved worldwide recognition following his 2004 groundbreaking documentary SUPER SIZE ME, for which he received an Oscar® nomination. The film changed the conversation about fast food in America and is still featured as an educational aide in middle and high school health classes.
Spurlock fearlessly challenged modern conventions utilizing humor and wit to shed light on societal issues. His films inspired critical thinking and encouraged viewers to question the status quo. Over thirteen years, through his production company Warrior Poets, Spurlock found additional success producing and directing nearly 70 documentary films and television series.
Spurlock’s wide-ranging works were fueled by addressing controversial and difficult subjects. His projects covered issues including the U.S. war in Afghanistan (WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?); minimum wage and immigrant labor (FX’s 30 DAYS); consumer susceptibility to marketing (THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD); trophy hunting and body modification (Showtime TV’s 7 DEADLY SINS); elder care and gambling (CNN’s MORGAN SPURLOCK INSIDE MAN) and corporate pressure on family farms (SUPER SIZE ME 2: HOLY CHICKEN!) in 2019.
He deeply valued the creative contributions of the talented people who worked on his projects, developing a cadre of freelance production professionals who came back time and again. A great lover of modern artists, Spurlock compiled an extensive art collection, which decorated the walls of his home and the Warrior Poets office in SoHo, New York.
A loving and dedicated friend, father, brother and son, Morgan leaves behind two sons – Laken and Kallen; mother Phyllis Spurlock; father Ben (Iris); brothers Craig (Carolyn) and Barry (Buffy); multiple nieces and nephews; and former spouses Alexandra Jamieson and Sara Bernstein, the mothers of his children.
Memorial service arrangements will be announced in the near future. In Morgan’s honor, please consider a generous donation to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in New York City.
