Jan Schwieterman, who starred in the classic 1997 Nickelodeon comedy Good Burger, has died at the age of 52. His passing was mourned by family and fans alike with an outpouring of love on social media and heartfelt tributes from those who knew him.
The news of Schwieterman’s death was announced in a Facebook post shared by his brother, Chad Schwieterman, on March 1, 2025. In the post, Chad expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “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. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this difficult time. Rest in peace, brother. We love you and miss you.”
Jan Schwieterman succumbed to his illness on February 28, which was confirmed in an obituary stating he died at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri. Born on September 30, 1972, in Bluffton, Indiana, Schwieterman was a renowned actor who made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
Schwieterman’s career took off after he landed a major role in Good Burger, portraying Kurt Bozwell, the villainous owner of rival Mondo Burger. The film featured a stellar cast, including Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson as two young fry cooks, and gained a devoted following over the years. With memorable quotes and comedic moments, Good Burger became a cult classic, capturing the hearts of audiences, especially children of the 90s.
Notably, Schwieterman was not just limited to his role in Good Burger. He also starred in films like American Intellectuals and Warlock III: The End of Innocence in 1999. His television appearances included roles in popular series such as McKenna, ER, NightMan, and Felicity. After his role in the 2000 film Fallen Arches, he took a seven-year hiatus from acting, only returning for his final film credit in 2007’s Along the Way.
Outside of acting, Schwieterman had a deep passion for travel and had explored many countries throughout his life. His obituary highlighted him as “an artist of photography and painting,” who also studied martial arts and enjoyed the engaging world of Dungeons and Dragons.
Schwieterman is survived by his mother, Clara Reed, father LeeRoy Schwieterman, two sisters, Megan and Vanessa, and brother Chad. A memorial mass was held on March 4, 2025, at St. Paul’s Church in Berger, Missouri, where family and friends gathered to celebrate his life and legacy. Following the service, memorial donations were directed to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, reflecting the family's desire to support cancer research and treatment in honor of Jan.
In a follow-up post, Chad thanked friends, family, and fans for their support during this challenging time, stating, “Thank you, everyone, for your support. We miss JP deeply and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.” The heartfelt message resonated with many who admired Schwieterman's work, and his influence remains cherished.
This sad news comes in the wake of a revival of interest in Good Burger, particularly after a sequel was released in 2023, bringing a new generation of fans to Schwieterman’s iconic performance. While he did not reprise his role in the sequel, his original portrayal of Kurt Bozwell remains celebrated, further solidifying his place in film history.
Jan Schwieterman’s journey from a beloved child actor to an adult who embraced creativity and exploration illustrates the lasting impact he made both on screen and beyond. His legacy will forever be remembered not just for his roles in films and television, but for the joy he brought to fans, friends, and family.
