Nora Aunor, a celebrated veteran actress and revered national artist, passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71 while undergoing a heart procedure. Her death was confirmed by her son, actor Ian de Leon, through a heartfelt post on Facebook, where he expressed his deep love for his mother, saying, "We love you Ma... alam ng Diyos kung gano ka namin ka mahal... pahinga ka na po Ma... nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin (We love you, Mom. God knows how much we love you. Please rest now. You will remain in our hearts and minds)." Ian described Aunor as the "heart of [their] family" and a source of "unconditional love, strength, and warmth."
Details surrounding her cause of death have yet to be disclosed, although reports indicate that Aunor had been hospitalized in Pasig for a procedure. The news of her passing comes just a month before what would have been her 72nd birthday in May. Aunor had been open about her health struggles in recent years, including withdrawing her candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections as the second nominee of the People’s Champ Guardians party-list, citing the advice of her doctors to avoid stressful situations.
Earlier this year, during an interview with Boy Abunda, Aunor revealed a harrowing health scare where she "died for three minutes" after experiencing a drop in her oxygen levels. "Ang nangyari, hindi ko alam, walang tumulong. Hindi minadali na lagyan ako ng oxygen (What happened, I don't know, no one helped. They didn't hurry to give me oxygen)," she recounted. Miraculously, she woke up in the intensive care unit, a testament to her resilience.
Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, was not just a talented actress but also a singer and producer, known for her mastery of multiple artistic forms. Her career began in the 1960s, and she quickly became a household name, earning the title of the "Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema." She was the champion of the popular singing contest "Tawag ng Tanghalan" in 1967, which showcased her exceptional vocal talent.
Her film debut came in 1967 with "All Over the World," and she starred in numerous iconic films, including "Minsa’y May Isang Gamu-Gamo" (1976), "Bona" (1980), and "Himala" (1982). Aunor’s contribution to the film industry was recognized when she was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her commitment to promoting Filipino movies that inspire and uplift audiences.
Despite her immense success, Aunor's personal life was often tumultuous. She had a complicated relationship with her children, particularly with her daughter Matet, who publicly discussed their falling out over a competing food business. However, they reconciled in January 2023, indicating Aunor's desire to mend familial ties.
Her last film project, "Mananambal," was anticipated by fans, but her health issues prevented her from attending the grand media conference earlier this year. Director Adolf Alix Jr. addressed concerns about her absence, emphasizing that Aunor was advised to limit her public appearances due to her health condition. "We all know how sensitive the situation of Ate Guy [Nora] is. The doctor has advised her to limit her participation in public gatherings due to her current condition," he said.
Aunor's legacy in Philippine cinema is profound, not only for her artistic achievements but also for her role in challenging beauty standards in the industry. Her petite frame and dusky complexion defied the conventional norms that favored fair-skinned actresses, making her a trailblazer for representation in film.
In addition to her numerous accolades, Aunor achieved a historic "grand slam" in Philippine cinema in 1990, sweeping five major Best Actress awards for her role in "Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina?" Her performance in "Himala" is often regarded as one of the finest in Philippine cinema, earning her critical acclaim both locally and internationally.
Internationally, Aunor gained recognition when she won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong in 2013 for her role in "Thy Womb." The National Commission for Culture and the Arts praised her extensive body of work, stating, "[Her filmography is] exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations."
Aunor's passing marks the end of an era in Philippine cinema, leaving a void that will be felt deeply by her fans, colleagues, and the industry as a whole. Her contributions to film and music have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
In her later years, Aunor also ventured into politics, further showcasing her multifaceted talents and interests. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained dedicated to her advocacy for the entertainment industry, often speaking out for struggling artists and supporting initiatives that uplift the creative community.
The news of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, fans, and fellow artists. Vilma Santos, a longtime friend and rival, expressed her condolences on social media, stating, "Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Mare (my friend). Ms. Nora Aunor, our superstar and national artist, maraming salamat (thank you very much)." Aunor's impact on Philippine cinema and culture is undeniable, and her memory will live on through her remarkable body of work and the love of her family and fans.
