Jan Patrick "J.P." Schwieterman, the actor who portrayed a memorable villain in the 1997 Nickelodeon hit "Good Burger," died last month. He succumbed to a brief but aggressive battle with stage 4 cancer on Feb. 28 at Mercy Hospital. Schwieterman was 52.
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His brother, Chad Schwieterman, announced the loss on Facebook. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my brother, Jan (JP) Schwieterman," he wrote. "He recently found out he had an aggressive form of stage 4 cancer." Family and friends expressed shock at the sudden death.
"Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers," Chad added. "Rest in peace, brother. We love you and miss you."
Schwieterman hailed from Bluffton, Ind., a small town 35 miles south of Fort Wayne. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout before chasing his Hollywood dreams. After high school, he relocated to Los Angeles and kicked off his career with guest spots on TV shows like "McKenna," "ER," and "Forever."
Nickelodeon Villain
His big break came in 1997. Schwieterman landed the role of Kurt Bozwell, the scheming rival restaurant owner in "Good Burger." He starred alongside Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, with Sinbad and Shaquille O'Neal rounding out the cast. The comedy cemented his place in '90s pop culture.
Following "Good Burger," Schwieterman appeared in "Felicity" and other projects. He stepped away from acting in 2000, taking a seven-year break. His final role came in the 2008 indie film "Along the Way." He did not return for the Nickelodeon 2023 "Good Burger" sequel.
Beyond acting, Schwieterman embraced a creative life. His obituary highlighted his passions. "J.P. loved to travel," it read. "He has traveled to many countries, most recently to Thailand." He excelled in photography and painting, practiced martial arts, and enjoyed Dungeons and Dragons.
Schwieterman leaves behind his parents, Clara and LeeRoy, two sisters, his brother Chad, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. "Thank you, everyone, for your support," Chad posted online. "We miss JP deeply and appreciate your thoughts and prayers."
Loved ones held a memorial for Schwieterman on Mar. 4. They requested donations to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas in lieu of flowers. His death marks the end of a vibrant life that touched both the screen and those who knew him.
