Morgan Spurlock, Oscar-winning documentarian, dead at 53

Morgan Spurlock, the filmmaker and former CNN series host whose McDonald’s documentary “Super Size Me” was nominated for an Academy Award, died of cancer complications Thursday, according to his family.

Spurlock, who was 53, died in New York, surrounded by family and friends, his brother said in a statement.

“It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” Craig Spurlock said. “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’s directing career was varied and unpredictable. He was best known for “Super Size Me,” which sparked a national conversation — and no shortage of controversy — over America’s relationship with fast food.

But he also made a satiric documentary about searching for Osama bin Laden, directed a One Direction concert film and even made a movie about Homer Simpson and baseball.
For several years, Spurlock served as host of a popular CNN Original series, “Morgan Spurlock Inside Man.”

This story is developing and will be updated.