Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock known for directing the Oscar nominated documentary Super Size Me has died from complications of cancer. He was 53.

In a statement, Spurlock’s brother and collaborator Craig said: “It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special man.”

Spurlock received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film for the 2004 documentary which chronicled a 30-day period from February 1 to March 2, 2003, during which he claimed to only consume McDonald’s food.

Spurlock went on to direct other documentary films including Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden? in 2008, POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold in 2011, Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope in 2011, One Direction: This Is Us in 2013, and the follow up Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! in 2017.

Before making the 2004 Academy Award-nominated Super Size Me, he also created I Bet You Will for MTV which began as a popular Internet webcast of five-minute episodes featuring ordinary people doing stunts in exchange for money like eating a full jar of mayonnaise for S$235 and eating a “worm burrito” for US$265.

Morgan Spurlock’s Films

Where in the World Is Osama bin Laden?

The provocative, new documentary sees Morgan Spurlock searching for Osama Bin Laden.

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock explores the world of product placement, marketing and advertising in POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, a film that was fully financed through product placement from various brands, all of which are integrated transparently into the film.

Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!

In the 15 years since ‘Super Size Me’, the fast-food industry has undergone a makeover. Today, chain restaurants tout food that’s “healthy,” “organic,” and “natural.” Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock explores this new reality with an approach even more immersive and subversive than that used for his first film: he sets out to open his own chicken franchise. We follow him every step of the way, from raising poultry and conjuring recipes to designing the brand and scouting a location. Spurlock brings his disarming humor to uncover the truths and lies behind this multibillion-dollar industry.

One Direction: This Is Us

One Direction: This Is Us is an intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. Weaved with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis’ meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London’s famed O2 Arena.

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope

Comic-con to some is just another convention, but for others, it is a livelihood. This Morgan Spurlock documentary reveals the passion and dreams of many hardcore fans. Whether it acts as an addiction or an opportunity for something bigger in life, Comic-Con means more to some than many had ever imagined.