Jan Schwieterman, known for his role as Kurt Bozwell in the iconic 1997 Nickelodeon film Good Burger, has passed away at the age of 52 after battling an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer. Schwieterman died on February 28, 2025, in Mercy Hospital, located in Washington, Missouri, as his family confirmed through a heartfelt Facebook post.
His brother, Chad Schwieterman, announced the news with a heavy heart, writing, "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." The news of his passing came as a shock to many who knew him.
Born on September 30, 1972, in Bluffton, Indiana, Schwieterman spent his formative years becoming an Eagle Scout, a badge of honor he cherished deeply. Shortly after graduating high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of acting. He made his television debut in 1994 with a role on the ABC series McKenna, followed by appearances in shows such as ER, and Forever.
However, it was his role as Kurt Bozwell, the villainous owner of the rival Mondo Burger in Good Burger, that catapulted him to fame alongside Nickelodeon stars Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. This iconic film, a fan favorite, cemented his status in the hearts of many childhood viewers.
After his role in Good Burger, Schwieterman continued to appear in various television series, guest starring in four episodes of Felicity from 1998 to 1999. Despite his success, he took a hiatus from acting after the 2000 movie Fallen Arches, returning only in 2007 for the indie film Along the Way.
In addition to acting, Schwieterman had a variety of interests. He was known to love travel, having visited many countries, with Thailand being among his most recent adventures. He had a passion for photography and painting, along with an interest in martial arts and the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons.
His family held a memorial service for him on March 4, 2025, in his hometown of Berger, Missouri. They have requested that donations in his memory be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, to honor his brave battle with cancer.
Schwieterman is survived by his parents, Clara and LeeRoy, his siblings Megan, Vanessa, and Chad, and numerous nieces and nephews. The announcement of his death has resonated deeply with fans of the film and those who admired his work as an artist.
As tributes pour in, many remember Jan Schwieterman not only for his memorable role in the family-friendly film Good Burger but also for the person he was beyond the screen. His contributions to film and art will be fondly remembered by those who were touched by his work and character.
