National Artist Nora Aunor, dubbed as the “Superstar” in the Philippine entertainment industry, has passed away. She was 71 years old.
The veteran actress’ passing was confirmed by her son, Ian De Leon, in a social media post on Wednesday night.
The family’s official statement read: “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.”
“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,” the actor wrote in an emotional post prior to the statement.
Nora’s daughter, Matet De Leon, also posted a throwback photo of them together on Instagram, writing briefly, “I love you mommy.”
Nora, also widely known as “Ate Guy,” was a multi-awarded Filipino actress and a trailblazer in both local and international cinema. She began her career as a singer, winning the national contest Tawag ng Tanghalan at 14 years old.
She made history as the first Filipino actor to win Best Actress at a major international film festival (Cairo in 1995 for the The Flor Contemplacion Story) and remains the most internationally awarded Filipino performer, with multiple wins and nominations from prestigious international festivals including Berlin, Venice, Brussels and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Locally, she holds records for the most number of MMFF Best Actress wins, FAMAS nominations, and was named the Philippines’ Best Actress of All Time by S Magazine. Her work with legendary Filipino directors and consistent critical acclaim have earned her multiple lifetime achievement honors.
In 2022, through Proclamation 1390 signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte, Nora became the first female actor to be inducted to the Order of National Artists, the highest honor given to Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to Philippine arts.
In a statement then sent to The Philippine Star, she said: “Wala pa akong maisip na sasabihin ko sa ngayon dahil sa labis na kasiyahan sa aking puso at para po sa ating lahat. Sa mga taong nanalangin po at nakipaglaban hanggang sa huli para maibigay sa akin ang kanilang pinangarap na ako’y mahirang na isang National Artist for Film.
“Higit po sa lahat, walang katapusang pasasalamat sa ating Panginoon, sa MAMA at PAPA ko, sa aking pamilya at mga anak, lalo na sa mga pinakamamahal kong mga fans at mga taong nasa tabi ko sa oras na kailangan ko sila mula noon hanggang ngayon.”
She is survived by her children Matet De Leon, Lotlot De Leon, Kenneth de Leon, Kiko De Leon and Ian De Leon.
