Nora Aunor, the revered actress and recording artist hailed as the “Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema” by The Hollywood Reporter, died Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, at The Medical City in Pasig City. She was 71.
The National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts left behind a towering legacy of more than 200 screen roles, and a life that mirrored the narrative arc of many of her iconic characters — a journey from humble beginnings to national acclaim.
Her death was confirmed by her son, actor Ian de Leon, whom she had with award-winning actor Christopher de Leon.
“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor — ‘Nora Aunor,’” de Leon said in a statement. “She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.”
Aunor, affectionately known as “Ate Guy,” was born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953, in Iriga, Camarines Sur. She was the daughter of Antonia Cabaltera and Eustacio Villamayor, who sold peanuts and cold water at the Bicol Express Train Station. One of 10 children, she grew up in poverty but later became a household name, earning recognition for both her golden voice and dramatic prowess.
“What I love the most is singing,” she said during a 2024 interview on actress Maricel Soriano’s YouTube channel. “If it weren’t for singing, I wouldn’t be able to help my family, and people wouldn’t recognize me.”
She credited her grandmother, Theresa, and her Aunt Belen for introducing and coaching her on “The Way of a Clown,” the first song she learned.
Her big break came during her second attempt on the singing competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” where she won after her moving rendition of “Moonlight Becomes You.” Her early recordings included that song and “There’s Just Forever” under Citation Records, followed by “No Return, No Exchange” and “You Are My First Love” under Jasper Recording.
In the same 2024 interview, Aunor revealed that she had lost her singing voice after undergoing cosmetic surgery in Japan 14 years earlier.
Her daughter, Lotlot de Leon, posted a tribute on social media: “Her light lives on — forever loved, never forgotten. She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many, and stars like hers never stop shining. Her voice, presence and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade.”
Aunor’s television career began with guest appearances on “An Evening with Pilita,” hosted by Pilita Corrales, and “Carmen on Camera,” hosted by Carmen Soriano. She later headlined “Superstar,” the longest-running musical variety show on Philippine prime-time television.
In 1969, she starred opposite Tirso Cruz III in “Young Girls,” directed by Artemio Marquez. The duo’s film “Guy and Pip” achieved box-office success, running for six months in theaters. As a gesture of their on- and off-screen partnership, Cruz gave Aunor a doll named “Maria Leonora Theresa,” which became a cultural icon in Philippine entertainment.
“Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered,” Cruz said, citing the biblical verse Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
In 1973, Aunor founded NV Productions and produced critically acclaimed films including “Carmela,” “Fe, Esperanza, Caridad,” “Banaue: Stairway to the Sky,” “Alkitrang Dugo,” “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” and “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo.”
In 1980, she starred in “Himala,” where she portrayed a woman who claimed to have seen the Blessed Virgin Mary — a performance later adapted into a stage musical. She returned to the stage in productions such as “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo” (1991), “DH” (1992) and “The Trojan Woman” (1994).
Her international accolades include Best Actress at the 19th Cairo International Film Festival (1995) for “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and Best Actress at the 1st East Asia Film and Television Awards (1997) for “Bakit May Kahapon?”
In 2012, she received the Bisato d’Oro Award for Best Actress at the 69th Venice International Film Festival for “Thy Womb,” and earned three additional international awards for the same film — making her the only Filipino actor to win in the Best Actress category at the Asian Film Awards.
In 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte conferred upon her the title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts under Proclamation No. 1390.
In 2025, Aunor starred alongside Kapuso actress Bianca Umali in the film “Mananambal” by Adolf Alix Jr. and was last seen on television in GMA’s afternoon series “Lilet Matias: Attorney At Law.”
Over a career that spanned nearly six decades, Aunor received 17 FAMAS nominations, won five Best Actress awards and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. With 21 Gawad Urian nominations and seven wins, she remains the most nominated actress in its history. She was also named Best Actress of the Decade three times — in the 1980s, 1990s and 2010s — by the same organization.
She earned nine PMPC Star Awards, eight Metro Manila Film Festival trophies and five Young Critics Circle awards. She worked with acclaimed directors and National Artists including Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka, Gil Portes, Mario O’Hara, Brillante Mendoza, Ricky Lee and Fernando Poe Jr.
Aunor and de Leon raised five children: Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth.
From the haunting emotion in her eyes to the unmistakable richness of her voice, Nora Aunor’s artistry was unmatched. Her legacy is not only etched in the history of Philippine cinema such that it will resonate with generations to come.
There can only be one Nora Aunor.
She wasn’t just celebrated for what she achieved but for the heart and truth she brought to every role. From humble beginnings to national icon, her voice, her eyes, and her presence moved generations. She didn’t just act but transformed lives through her art.
Legends like hers come once in a lifetime. And there will never be another Nora Aunor.
