Nickelodeon star Jan Schwieterman dead at 52

An actor best known for playing the villain in hit 1997 comedy Good Burger has died.

The actor behind one of Nickelodeon’s earliest movie villains died last month after a short battle with cancer.

Jan Patrick “J.P.” Schwieterman, known for playing antagonist Kurt Bozwell in the 1997 comedy Good Burger, died on February 28 at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri, according to his obituary.

He was 52 years old, reports the New York Post.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my brother, Jan (JP) Schwieterman,” his brother Chad Schwieterman confirmed in a Facebook post. “He recently found out he had an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer.”

Family and friends said Schwieterman’s death came as a “shock.”

“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,” Chad Schwieterman added.

Schwieterman was born in Bluffton, Indiana and became a “proud” Eagle Scout before he set his sights on Hollywood.

He was best known for his role in Good Burger. Picture: Nickelodeon

His brother confirmed the sad news of his death. Picture: Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home

Schwieterman moved to Los Angeles shortly after high school to become an actor, where he secured his start on the small screen with guest roles in television shows like McKenna, ER and Forever.

Schwieterman made his splash when he was picked for the main antagonist role of Kurt Bozwell, the owner of a rival fast-food restaurant, in Good Burger opposite Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.

The film’s all-star cast also featured Sinbad and Shaquille O’Neal.

After he received success from his work in the comedy, Schwieterman went on to act as a guest star in Felicity and a handful of other projects. He went on a seven-year hiatus from the film industry after 2000.

He was 52 years old. Picture: Facebook/Chad Schwieterman

Schwieterman’s last film credit was in the 2008 indie film Along the Way.

The Missouri native did not reprise his role in the Good Burger films when the sequel hit theatres in 2023.

“J.P. loved to travel. He has travelled 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,” Schwieterman’s obituary stated.

Schwieterman is survived by his parents Clara and LeeRoy, two sisters, his brother, nieces, nephews and cousins.

“Thank you, everyone, for your support,” his brother Chad wrote on Facebook. “We miss JP deeply and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.”

The actor’s memorial was held March 4.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Nickelodeon star Jan Schwieterman dead at 52