A “Superstar” of Philippine cinema has died at the age of 71 today, April 16, 2025. Nora Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor) has been battling unspecified health concerns for some time, which caused her to avoid recent public appearances. We’re certain she will be mourned and greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.
Nora Aunor
Born May 21, 1953, Nora Aunor has starred in 170 films. Though she was born into poverty, she became a huge celebrity in the Philippines. She started as a singer and hosted the variety show, “Superstar,” from 1967 to 1989. From there, she made her mark in films such as “You Are the Mother of Your Daughter,” “Bona,” and “Once a Moth.” The movie Bona was recently recovered and restored. It was shown at the Cannes Film Festival in 4K.
Her latest film, Mananambal, is a horror film that also starred Bianca Umali is a horror movie. A mananambal is a healer who would be visited for healing of both supernatural and physical ailments. Aunor was deeply missed from the big media conference held for that film’s release earlier this year. Her health was cited as the reason for her absence. She had been advised to avoid large gatherings.
Nora Aunor has been the recipient of many awards, including her first Best Actress award for the movie “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.” She was admitted to the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts Hall of Fame in 1992. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines in 1993. She was even named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Her son, Ian De Leon, has confirmed her passing.
“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,” De Leon wrote on Facebook.
