Superstar, National Artist Nora Aunor dies at 71

Nora Aunor, the country’s lone “Superstar” and one of the most revered figures in Philippine cinema, has died at 71. Her son, Ian de Leon, confirmed her death in a social media post.

Her passing comes just days after fellow screen legend Pilita Corrales died. Corrales was the mother-in-law of Aunor’s daughter, actress Lotlot de Leon.

Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, was a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts whose career shaped generations of Filipino film and television. From her rise as a singing champion in the 1960s to her critically acclaimed roles in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Himala, Bona, and Thy Womb, Aunor was widely regarded as the greatest actress of her time.

She was the only Filipino to win Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards and remains the most nominated performer in Gawad Urian history, with 21 nominations and seven wins. She was inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame and honored by major international festivals, including Cairo and Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

Aunor holds the record for the most nominations at the Gawad Urian Awards, with 21 nods and seven wins. She was inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame and received awards from the Cairo International Film Festival, Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and several local institutions.

A former recording artist who started her career through a singing contest, Aunor’s influence extended beyond film, appearing in stage plays, television dramas, and concerts.

Just weeks before her passing, Aunor withdrew from her party-list bid in the 2025 elections citing health reasons and loss of trust. — Nickie Wang

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