Actor Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman, best known for his role as Kurt Bozwell in Nickelodeon’s 1997 cult classic Good Burger, has died at the age of 52.
Schwieterman passed away on February 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, following a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer, according to his family.
A Sudden and Aggressive Illness
Schwieterman’s brother, Chad, confirmed the news in a Facebook post on March 1, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my brother, Jan (JP) Schwieterman. He recently found out he had an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer and passed yesterday evening.”
No additional medical details have been shared publicly, but the family noted the rapid progression of the illness.
A Memorable Career Rooted in ’90s Pop Culture
Born on September 30, 1972, in Bluffton, Indiana, Jan Schwieterman moved to California to pursue an acting career shortly after finishing high school. He landed his first television role in 1994 on McKenna and went on to guest star in several popular series of the decade, including ER, NightMan, Undressed, Felicity, and Forever.
His breakout performance came in 1997 when he played the smirking villain Kurt Bozwell in Good Burger, opposite Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. His role as the conniving Mondo Burger manager helped solidify the film’s status as a late-’90s Nickelodeon staple. Schwieterman later appeared in Warlock III: The End of Innocence (1999), American Intellectuals (1999), and Fallen Arches (2000). He took a hiatus from acting before returning in 2007 for his final role in Along the Way.
Life Beyond the Screen
According to his obituary, Schwieterman was an Eagle Scout and an avid explorer of the arts. He engaged in photography, painting, and martial arts. He was also known to be a passionate Dungeons & Dragons player and a frequent traveler, with his last adventure taking him to Thailand.
His artistic sensibility and curiosity extended far beyond the screen, with friends and family remembering him as a creative soul with a kind heart.
Remembering Jan Schwieterman
A funeral was held on March 4, and in lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Schwieterman is survived by his parents, LeeRoy Schwieterman and Clara Reed; his siblings Megan, Vanessa, and Chad; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
His death marks a somber moment for fans of Good Burger and ’90s television, as they remember a performer who brought charm and charisma to every role.
