John, a blackface vaudeville comedian and later actor. Later he with his brother, Bert Swor, were end men in such vaudeville acts with Lew Dockstader's Minstrels, Honey Boy Evans Minstrels, Al G. Fields Minstrels and Lassie White Minstrels. He was one of the "Two Black Crows". The act was started by Charles Mack (1888–1934). He had many partners, including John Swor, his brother Bert Swor and George Moran (1881–1949). John Swor left the act, at that time called Swor & Mack and was replaced by Moran and the name of the act changed to "Two Black Crows". Later, after a business dispute with Moran, Moran left and was replaced by Bert Swor, who took the name Moran. The movie, Anybody's War was filmed during the time that Moran had left so Bert Swor actually played the part of Moran but name was listed in the minor roles part of the movie. The duo appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, on radio, comedy records and in film features and shorts. The Two Black Crows made several movies, including, "Why Bring That Up" and "Anybody's War". Later John later trouped with the William H. West Minstrels, with his brother, the late Bert Swor. Bert and John Swor, also partnered with Frank Conroy a blackface comedy act billed as Swor & Conroy in the early 1920's.

Other movies John appeared in were: the movie "Up the River ", John Swor acted with Spencer Tracy. Spencer Tracy had the lead role as Saint Louis and John Swor played Clem. In the movie "Quick Millions", John Swor again acted with Spencer Tracy. Spencer Tracy had the lead role of Daniel J. 'Bugs' Raymond and John Swor played the contractor. Also in the movie "Charlie Chan Carries On". Charlie Chan was played by - Warner Oland and John Swor was played by - Elmer Benbow, and "Here Comes the Navy" as a carousel attendant.

John retired from Hollywood and moved back to Dallas, Texas after playing in such acts Cap'n Andy on the "Showboat" television series. He once also appeared in the "Ziegfeld Follies."