Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman, known for his role as the antagonist Kurt Bozwell in the 1997 Nickelodeon film “Good Burger,” passed away on February 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri. He was 52.
Confirmation of Schwieterman’s death came from his brother Chad via a Facebook post. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my brother, Jan (JP) Schwieterman,” Chad wrote. “He recently found out he had an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer.”
The actor’s family noted that his death was unexpected due to the recent cancer diagnosis and its swift advancement.
Originally from Bluffton, Indiana, located about 35 miles south of Fort Wayne, Schwieterman achieved the rank of Eagle Scout before pursuing an acting career. He moved to Los Angeles soon after high school and began to build his acting resume with television roles.
Schwieterman’s television debut was in 1994 on ABC’s “McKenna” and NBC’s “ER,” where he played Daniel Quinn. He also appeared in “Forever” and later on “Felicity” as Lewis during its first season.
His career breakthrough was in 1997, portraying Kurt Bozwell, the rival restaurant owner in “Good Burger.” The film featured “Saturday Night Live” alumni Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, with guest appearances by Sinbad and basketball player Shaquille O’Neal.
After “Good Burger,” Schwieterman appeared in films such as “Warlock III: The End of Innocence” and “American Intellectuals,” and was featured in “Wasted” as Jesse Roe, as well as the MTV series “Undressed.”
In 2000, Schwieterman paused his acting career for seven years, returning in 2007 in the indie film “Along the Way,” which was his final role. He did not reprise his role in “Good Burger 2,” released in 2023.
Beyond acting, Schwieterman enjoyed traveling and artistic endeavors. His obituary highlighted, “J.P. loved to travel. He has traveled to many countries throughout his life, most recently to Thailand. He was an artist of photography and painting. He studied martial arts and loved playing Dungeons and Dragons.”
He is remembered by friends and family for his wide-ranging interests and dedication to his passions.
Schwieterman is survived by his parents, Clara and LeeRoy Schwieterman; his brother Chad; sisters Megan and Vanessa; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service took place on March 4, 2025.
In place of flowers, his family requested donations to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, a leading institution for cancer research and treatment.
Fans of “Good Burger” have expressed nostalgia, recalling Schwieterman’s performance as Kurt Bozwell, which left a lasting impression on many who grew up watching Nickelodeon. While Schwieterman eventually left the entertainment industry, his role in the film remains memorable to viewers.