Nora Aunor, one of the most iconic and revered figures in Philippine cinema, has died at the age of 71, her family confirmed on Wednesday.
Her passing was announced by her children through social media posts, though no cause of death was immediately disclosed. Tributes have since poured in from fans and colleagues alike, honoring her extraordinary contributions to the arts.
“She touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft,” her daughter and fellow actor Lotlot de Leon wrote in an Instagram post. “Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade.”
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Aunor grew up in poverty before rising to national fame as a singer in the 1960s. She later transitioned into acting, where she would go on to build one of the most prolific and acclaimed careers in Filipino show business.
In 2022, she was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts the highest cultural honor in the Philippines recognizing her decades-long influence in shaping the country’s cinematic identity.
Aunor’s filmography includes more than 200 titles across film and television. Among her most celebrated performances was in The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), where she portrayed a Filipino domestic worker executed in Singapore, a role that won her numerous accolades.
Throughout her career, Aunor earned local and international awards, including the Best Actress prize at the 7th Asian Film Awards in 2013 for her role in Thy Womb, directed by Brillante Mendoza.
She was married to actor Christopher de Leon from 1975 until their separation in 1996. The couple had five children together, many of whom also entered the entertainment industry.
Her son, Kristoffer Ian de Leon, remembered her as “the heart of our family” in a heartfelt Facebook post. “Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her,” he wrote.
Even in her later years, Aunor remained active on screen. In 2024, she starred in the television drama Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law, and made a special cameo appearance in the stage musical Isang Himala, a nod to her 1982 cult classic Himala.
For many Filipinos, Nora Aunor was more than a movie star she was a cultural icon, a symbol of perseverance, and a national treasure whose voice and presence will continue to resonate for generations
