AT A GLANCE
Nora was last seen in the horror movie "Mananambal," produced by Viva Films. However, she was unable to promote the film.
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, beloved singer and actress, has passed away. She was 71.
Nora's son actor Kristoffer Ian De Leon confirmed this sad news in a post on Facebook on April 16. Ate Guy is the mother of actors Lotlot De Leon and Matet De Leon.
"We love you Mom..God knows how much we love you.. Rest now, Ma... You are just here in our hearts and minds," Ian initially wrote on Facebook.
Then Ian made a formal announcement of his mother's death.
"With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor 'Nora Aunor' who left us on today April 16, 2025 at the age of 71.
"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.
"Details to be announced tomorrow."
One of the stars who mourned Nora's death was her showbiz rival Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto. On social media, Ate Vi wrote: "Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, mare. Ms Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist ... Maraming salamat!"
Her passing sent shockwaves through the Philippine movie industry, which is still mourning the death of Asia's Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, last April 12.
Nora was last seen in the horror movie "Mananambal," produced by Viva Films. However, she was unable to promote the film. Only the younger cast members—Bianca Umali, Kelvin Miranda, Jeric Gonzales, EA Guzman, and Martin Escudero — handled the film's promotion. Prior to this, Nora also starred in the drama "Piyeta," directed by Adolf Alix Jr.
She was taking another shot at politics when she decided to run as nominee of the People's Champ Guardians Party-list for the mid-term elections. But she backed out.
'Namatay na ako eh'
In an interview in August 2023, Nora stated she was healthy, although she admitted to regretting her past smoking habit. "Okay naman ako."
"Naabuso ko noon ang sarili ko. Kaya kayo huwag kayong maninigarilyo," said Nora, adding that she became more health conscious now. (I used to abuse myself. So don't smoke.)
The one and only superstar added: "Hindi na talaga ako naninigarilyo. Namatay na ako eh. Ang laki ng pasasalamat ko andito pa ako. Palagay ko may misyon pa ako sa buhay. Marami pa tayong pasasayahin na tao. (I don't smoke anymore. I was dead. I'm so thankful I'm still here. I still have a mission in life. We'll make a lot of people happy.)"
In the past, doctors advised Nora to quit smoking after she was hospitalized due to difficulty in breathing.
Born in Iriga, Camarines Sur on May 21, 1953, Nora whose real name is Nora Villamayor rose to fame when she won the grand finals of Tawag Ng Tanghalan in 1967.
Aside from being a recording artist, Nora also became one of the most awarded actresses in Philippine cinema, having appeared in critically acclaimed movies such as "Himala," "Bona," "The Flor Contemplacion Story," "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos," "And God Smiled At Me," "Bulaklak Sa City Jail," "Thy Womb," and more.
Following years of being nominated, Nora was finally declared one of the new National Artists for 2022.
Nora is the recipient of the prestigious honor for film and broadcast arts, along with screenwriter-novelist Ricardo "Ricky" Lee, and the late movie director Marilou Diaz Abaya.
She conquered the stage, performing in two major productions of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
In 1992, Nora was elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame. She was given the FAP Lifetime Achievement Award the following year. And in 1999, she was one of the recipients of the Centennial Honors for the Arts, given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to 100 Filipinos who have made significant contributions to culture and the arts in the 20th century.
In November 2012, she won the coveted Best Actress Award from 6th Asia Pacific Screen Award, and consequently became the first Filipino actor to be inducted as a member of Asia Pacific Screen Academy. She also won Best Actress at the 7th Asian Film Awards.
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