Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman, widely recognized for his role as the antagonist Kurt Bozwell in Nickelodeon’s 1997 film “Good Burger,” passed away on February 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri. He was 52.
His brother, Chad Schwieterman, confirmed the death through Facebook, 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.”
The family indicated that Schwieterman’s passing was unexpected, given the recent diagnosis and rapid progression of the illness.
Born in Bluffton, Indiana, approximately 35 miles south of Fort Wayne, Schwieterman was an Eagle Scout before pursuing an acting career in Hollywood. He moved to Los Angeles after high school and began with guest roles on television shows.
Schwieterman made his television debut in 1994, appearing in ABC’s “McKenna” and NBC’s “ER,” where he played Daniel Quinn. He also appeared in shows like “Forever” and “Felicity,” where he portrayed Lewis in its first season.
His notable role as Kurt Bozwell came in 1997, in “Good Burger,” where he played the rival restaurant owner. The movie featured “Saturday Night Live” alum Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, with cameos by Sinbad and Shaquille O’Neal.
Following “Good Burger,” Schwieterman continued acting in films such as “Warlock III: The End of Innocence” and “American Intellectuals.” He also appeared in “Wasted” as Jesse Roe and in the MTV series “Undressed.”
After 2000, Schwieterman took a break from acting until 2007, when he appeared in the indie film “Along the Way,” marking his last film credit. He did not reprise his role in the 2023 release of “Good Burger 2.”
Outside of acting, Schwieterman was passionate about travel and art. His obituary noted, “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.”
Those who knew him recall his wide-ranging interests and dedication to his passions.
Schwieterman is survived by his parents, Clara and LeeRoy Schwieterman, brother Chad, sisters Megan and Vanessa, and extended family. A memorial service took place on March 4, 2025.
His family requested donations to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas instead of flowers, supporting cancer research and treatment.
Schwieterman’s death has evoked nostalgia among “Good Burger” fans, many of whom fondly remember his role as Kurt Bozwell, cementing his legacy in a generation’s childhood memories.
