Jan “JP” Schwieterman, Star of Good Burger, Has Died at 52
Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman, the actor best known for playing Kurt Bozwell—the rival burger joint owner in the 1997 Nickelodeon film Good Burger—passed away on February 28, 2025. He was 52 years old. His death came at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, following a brief and aggressive battle with stage 4 cancer. The news was confirmed by his brother Chad Schwieterman on Facebook.
Schwieterman earned recognition for portraying Kurt Bozwell, the antagonist behind Mondo Burger, opposite Kenan Thompson’s Dexter and Kel Mitchell’s Ed. His over-the-top, comedic villainy etched a memorable mark on the cult-classic’s enduring legacy. Though the sequel Good Burger 2 premiered in 2023, Schwieterman did not reprise his role, and his character appeared only in archival still images. His performance remains iconic to fans who grew up with the original.
Born on September 30, 1972, in Bluffton, Indiana, Schwieterman moved to California after high school to pursue acting. He earned early roles on shows such as McKenna, ER, Felicity, NightMan, and Undressed in the 1990s. After Good Burger, he appeared in films including Warlock III: The End of Innocence, American Intellectuals, and Fallen Arches, but then took a seven-year break from acting after 2000. He made his final credited appearance in the independent film Along the Way in 2007.
Outside his acting career, Schwieterman pursued many creative passions. He traveled widely, most recently to Thailand. He practiced photography, painting, martial arts, and enjoyed playing Dungeons & Dragons. He also earned Eagle Scout status during his youth.
His brother Chad announced:
“He recently found out he had an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer and passed yesterday evening. Please keep our family in your thoughts… Rest in peace, brother. We love you and miss you.”
A funeral service took place on March 4, 2025, at St. Paul’s Church in Berger, Missouri. The family asked that memorial donations go to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Kenan Thompson posted online: “Very sad!!! Sending love to his family!!!”.
