Jan Schwieterman, renowned for his role in the iconic 1997 Nickelodeon comedy Good Burger, has sadly passed away. The news was shared by his brother, Chad Schwieterman, in a heartfelt Facebook post on March 1. Chad expressed his sorrow, 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 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.”
According to an obituary, Jan Schwieterman passed away on February 29 at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri. He was born on September 30, 1972, in Bluffton, Indiana. The obituary highlights that he was “proud” to be an Eagle Scout during his childhood, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and community service.
After completing high school, Schwieterman moved to California to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. His breakout role came in the cult classic Good Burger, where he portrayed Kurt Bozwell, the owner of the rival Mondo Burger, opposite stars Kel Mitchell and Kenan Thompson. This film became a beloved piece of 90s pop culture and featured a star-studded cast, including Carmen Electra, Shaquille O'Neal, and Linda Cardellini.
Beyond Good Burger, Schwieterman appeared in several films, including the 1999 titles American Intellectuals and Warlock III: The End of Innocence. His television credits include guest appearances on popular shows such as McKenna, ER, NightMan, and Felicity.
After starring in the 2000 film Fallen Arches, Schwieterman took a significant seven-year hiatus from acting, returning for his final film credit in 2007's Along the Way.
Jan Schwieterman was not only an actor but also a passionate traveler, having visited many countries throughout his life. His obituary notes that he was an artist, skilled in both photography and painting, and had a keen interest in martial arts. He also found joy in playing Dungeons and Dragons, showcasing his diverse interests and talent.
He 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 at St. Paul's Church in Berger, Missouri. In honor of his memory, memorial donations were made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
In a follow-up Facebook post sharing Schwieterman’s obituary, Chad expressed deep gratitude for the support from friends, family, and fans. “Thank you, everyone, for your support. We miss JP deeply and appreciate your thoughts and prayers,” he wrote, highlighting the impact Jan had on those around him.
The world has lost a talented actor and a beloved brother, but Jan Schwieterman's legacy, especially his role in Good Burger, will continue to resonate with fans for years to come.
