BREAKING NEWS: Beloved Nickelodeon Actor Jan Schwieterman, Best Known for His Memorable Role in ‘Good Burger,’ Dies at 52 Following a Devastating Cancer Diagnosis

Jan Schwieterman, Beloved ‘Good Burger’ Star, Dies at 52 After Battle with Stage 4 Cancer

Washington, Mo. – The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman, best known for his memorable role as the villainous Kurt Bozwell in the 1997 Nickelodeon cult classic Good Burger. Schwieterman passed away on February 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, at the age of 52, following a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. His death was confirmed by his brother, Chad Schwieterman, in a heartfelt Facebook post, leaving fans and family grappling with the sudden loss of the beloved actor.

Born on September 30, 1972, in Bluffton, Indiana, Schwieterman grew up with a passion for the arts and adventure. As a child, he was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, proudly achieving the rank of Eagle Scout—a testament to his determination and character. After high school, he pursued his dreams of acting, moving to California where he landed his first role in the 1994 television series McKenna. His career blossomed with guest appearances on popular shows like ER, Forever, NightMan, Undressed, and Felicity, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

However, it was his role as Kurt Bozwell, the antagonistic manager of Mondo Burger in Good Burger, that cemented his place in pop culture history. The film, a spin-off of the sketch comedy series All That on Nickelodeon, starred Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell as the bumbling fast-food workers Dexter Reed and Ed. Schwieterman’s portrayal of the scheming rival brought both humor and menace to the screen, making him a standout in the beloved comedy. The movie, released by Paramount Pictures, remains a nostalgic favorite for 1990s audiences and has since inspired a sequel, Good Burger 2, released in 2023 on Paramount+.

Beyond Good Burger, Schwieterman’s filmography included roles in Warlock III: The End of Innocence (1999), American Intellectuals (1999), and Fallen Arches (2000), as well as his final on-screen appearance as Michael Braga in the 2007 film Along the Way. Off-screen, Schwieterman was a multifaceted artist, indulging in photography, painting, and martial arts. He also had a love for travel, with his most recent trip taking him to Thailand, and enjoyed playing Dungeons & Dragons in his downtime, reflecting his creative and adventurous spirit.

Tragically, Schwieterman’s life was cut short by an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer, a diagnosis he received shortly before his passing, as shared by his brother Chad in a March 1 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 and passed yesterday evening. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time.” The post concluded with a poignant farewell: “Rest in peace, brother. We love you and miss you.”

Schwieterman’s obituary detailed his final days and the profound impact he had on those around him. He is survived by his parents, LeeRoy Schwieterman and Clara Reed, his sisters Megan and Vanessa, his brother Chad, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, in honor of Schwieterman’s battle with cancer, underscoring their commitment to supporting cancer research and patient care.

Fans of Good Burger and Schwieterman’s other works have taken to social media to express their sorrow, sharing memories of his iconic performance and offering condolences to his family. “Jan brought so much energy to Good Burger—he’ll always be remembered as Kurt Bozwell,” one fan wrote on X. Others praised his versatility as an actor and his evident passion for his craft, noting the tragedy of his untimely passing.

The loss of Jan Schwieterman serves as a somber reminder of the impact of cancer and the fragility of life. His legacy lives on through his contributions to entertainment, his artistic pursuits, and the memories he left with family, friends, and fans worldwide. As the entertainment industry and his loved ones mourn, Schwieterman’s story continues to inspire tributes and support for the fight against cancer, ensuring his memory endures for generations to come.