Actress Nora Aunor, who became one of the biggest stars in Philippine cinema through a brilliant 70-year acting career, has passed away at the age of 71.
Aunor's children announced her death in a social media post on Wednesday. Additional information about the exact cause and location of her death was not immediately released.
Filipino actor Lotlot de Leon expressed her condolences on her Instagram account, saying, "Mother touched generations with her unparalleled talent, grace, and passion for acting. Her voice, presence, and artistry have created a legacy that will never fade."
De Leon stated that funeral plans and other details will be shared later.
Nora Aunor was born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor into a poor family in Camarines Sur province in eastern Philippines. She supported her family by selling water at a local train station in her childhood. She first gained fame as a singer in the 1960s during her teenage years before expanding her career into the film industry. She starred in over 200 films and television programs, including numerous masterpieces in Philippine film history, and received dozens of acting awards.
Her notable works include "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God)" (1976), "Bulaklak sa City Jail (Flower in the City Jail)" (1984), and "The Flor Contemplacion Story" (1995). Her outstanding performance in "Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (Andrea, How Does It Feel to Be a Mother?)" (1990) earned her the Best Actress awards at various Philippine film award ceremonies. In "Thy Womb" (2012), where she played a midwife, she received the Best Actress award at the Asian Film Awards, gaining international recognition for her acting skills.
Aunor continued her active acting career until recently. Last year, she starred in the film "Mananambal (The Healer)" and appeared in the TV series "Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law."
Aunor received the National Artist award, the highest honor bestowed upon Filipino artists, in the film and broadcast arts category in 2022. This was a meaningful decision that recognized her long-standing contributions and artistic achievements. However, in 2014, then-President Benigno Aquino III caused widespread controversy by refusing to grant her the award due to her past drug-related arrest in the United States.
Aunor's lawyer clarified that her 2005 arrest at Los Angeles Airport was due to a pipe found in a bag she did not pack, and she was traveling with four assistants at the time. The lawyer added that the charges were dropped in 2007 after she completed a rehabilitation program.
Nora Aunor was married to actor Christopher de Leon from 1975 to 1996. She is survived by her children Lotlot, Ian, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth de Leon. Her numerous works and artistic spirit will forever be remembered in the hearts of Philippine film fans.
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