Oscar-nominated documentary 'Big Size Me' director dies at 53

Morgan Spurlock, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker and director of the groundbreaking documentary "Big Size Me" about American obesity and McDonald's fast food, has died at the age of 53 after a long and private battle with cancer.

A statement from his family said he "passed away peacefully in New York City, surrounded by his family and friends" on Thursday from complications of cancer. DEADLINE has learned that he had been undergoing chemotherapy since earlier this year.

Brother Craig Spurlock, who has collaborated on several documentaries, paid tribute: "It is a sad day as we say goodbye to my brother Morgan. Morgan gave so much to the world through his art, ideas and generosity. The world has lost a true creative genius and a special person. I am proud to have worked with him."

20 years ago, in the documentary "Big Size Me", in order to evaluate the impact of fast food diet on health, he only ate McDonald's for 30 days and showed his body in front of the camera, recording his rapid weight growth and the catastrophic damage to his liver. The film won 20 million box office worldwide, which is a great feat for documentaries. It also earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Full-Frame Documentary.