Nickelodeon star Jan Schwieterman, best known for his role in the 1997 comedy Good Burger, has died at the age of 52 after being recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer. The actor died on February 28 in Mercy Hospital in Washington but the news has only just been confirmed by his family. His brother Chad Schwieterman shared the news in a Facebook post. “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. 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,” he wrote.
Jan rose to prominence when he was selected to play the main antagonist, Kurt Bozwell, the owner of a rival fast-food restaurant, in Good Burger opposite Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell.
Jan Schweiterman’s breakout role was as Kurt Bozwell in Good Burger (Image: Paramount Pictures)
The movie was Nickelodeon’s first foray into big screen outings and the all-star cast included comedian Sinbad and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. A sequel hit cinemas in 2023 but he didn’t reprise his iconic role.
Following his early success Jan appeared as a guest star in Felicity and he also had early roles in the TV series McKenna and ER.
Despite clocking up movie roles he went on a seven-year hiatus from the film industry after 2000.
His last film credit was in the 2008 indie film Along the Way.
Jan Schweiterman died after a short battle with cancer (Image: Jan Schweiterman Fcebook)
His obituary said: “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.”
Born in Bluffton, Indiana on September 30 1972 Jan was a “proud” Eagle Scout growing up before he set his sights on Hollywood. He moved to Los Angeles shortly after high school and started getting guest roles on television shows before landing his breakout part.
He is survived by his parents Clara and LeeRoy, two sisters, his brother, nieces, nephews and cousins.
