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Who is Kuya Kurt? What to know about the American vlogger who appeared in 'The Master Cutter'
Kuya Kurt just added another acting credit to his name!
The social media star made a special appearance in "The Master Cutter” on Monday as an owner of a pares stall.
But who exactly is Kuya Kurt? Get to know him with these facts below.
1. An American vlogger with a Filipino heart
Kuya Kurt, born Kurt Harris, is an American vlogger who gained popularity for his genuine love and appreciation for the Philippines.
He is widely known for exploring Filipino culture through his videos, particularly by trying various local street foods, dining at carinderias, and showcasing everyday Filipino experiences.
As a social media personality, Kuya Kurt has built a strong online presence and a loyal following. He currently boasts over 348,000 followers on Instagram and more than 451,000 subscribers on YouTube, where he continues to share his adventures and connect with audiences both in the Philippines and around the world.
2. He is fluent in Tagalog
Kurt had visited the Philippines numerous times before deciding to make the country his home.
During his stay, he immersed himself in Filipino culture, embraced the local way of life, and dedicated time to learning the Tagalog language.
In 2018, he launched his social media pages under the name “Tagalog Kurt” as a way to document his journey and help himself relearn and practice Tagalog. Through his content, he not only improved his language skills but also shared his growing appreciation for Filipino culture with audiences around the world.
3. A former Christian missionary
Kurt first traveled to the Philippines at the age of 19 as a Christian missionary, according to a video interview with Emirates Loves Philippines. During his missionary work, he was assigned to Northern Luzon, where he served in several provinces, including Abra, Pangasinan, and various parts of the Ilocos Region.
His time in these communities allowed him to develop a deeper connection with the Filipino people, culture, and language — an experience that would later inspire his decision to return to the country and eventually make it his home.
4. A former US Marine
Aside from his work as a Christian missionary, Kurt is also a former member of the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Marine Corps for 11 years, during which he was deployed to several countries, including the Philippines.
5. He has acting experience under his belt
Before his “The Master Cutter” appearance, Kuya Kurt had taken on other acting roles.
In 2024, he starred in the short film “Dog in Search of a Leash” directed by Bon Jamora. In the film, he played the role of Bill, an American who started a “familiar roleplay” with a Filipina named Bebang.
Kuya Kurt also made a special appearance in a “Magpakailanman” episode in early 2026 with Rikki Mae Davao and Jackie Llou Blanco, where he played the role of William.
6. He is also a musician
Unbeknownst to others, Kuya Kurt is also a musician. He plays musical instruments such as the ukulele in his free time.
According to Kuya Kurt, playing musical instruments gives him peace.
“Paminsan-minsan tumutugtog ako ng mga instrumento. Nagdudulot ito ng kapayapaan sa akin kaluluwa,” he said in a previous post.
—CDC, GMA News
