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Observer
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Philippine film legend Nora Aunor dies aged 71
Nora Aunor, considered by many Filipinos as their country's greatest actor and singer, has died aged 71, the government and her family said Thursday. Proclaimed a "National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts" by the Philippines in 2022, the once child snack vendor will be honoured with a state funeral. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress," her adopted daughter Lotlot de Leon announced Thursday on her Instagram page. The cause of death, which took place Wednesday, was not disclosed. Aunor starred in 170 films and got her first break when cast in 1967's "All Over the World", a typical teen comedy of the era. With a darker skin tone compared to the half-Caucasian actors that dominated local cinema at the time -- Aunor brought a relatability to audiences, earning her the nickname Ate guy, or big sister guy. She would become a sensation as part of a studio-manufactured "love team" with actor Tirso Cruz III. Together they were known as "Guy and Pip". Critical acclaim followed nearly a decade later with starring roles in the dramas "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" ("Three Years Without God") and "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo" ("Once a Moth"), both released in 1976. - 'Splendid career' - Aunor also recorded hundreds of songs, including 1971's "Pearly Shells", said to be one of the Philippine's top-selling singles ever. On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos described her as "a gift to the Filipino nation", and the government's National Commission for Culture and the Arts said she would receive a state funeral. Aunor's daughter Leon later posted on Instagram that the funeral will take place on April 22 at the National Heroes Cemetery. "Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," Marcos said. "Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation." The fourth of five children from a family in the poverty-stricken Bicol region southeast of Manila, Aunor, born Nora Villamayor, helped the family make ends meet by selling cold water and snacks at a train station. Her grandmother taught her to sing, and at 14, she won a nationwide singing contest. She married Filipino actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and the couple had one biological child and four adopted children before separating two decades later. Aunor later immigrated to the United States, and in 2005 was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for drug possession. She underwent a court-directed drug diversion programme that kept her out of prison. She returned to Manila in 2011 to resume her acting and singing career. —AFP
Filipino Times
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Nora Aunor passes away after medical procedure, son clarifies circumstances of her death
Philippine Superstar and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor has passed away, her son Ian De Leon confirmed. In an interview with the media at Heritage Park in Taguig, De Leon clarified that his mother did not pass away during a medical procedure, but after a series of complications following it. He did not disclose her specific illness. 'She was being operated on, and after that, she had a hard time breathing. Eventually, things went downhill. That's why they had to do another procedure,' he shared. De Leon, joined by his siblings Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth, thanked the Filipino public for the love and support they have shown their mother throughout her life. 'Uunahin niya ang ibang tao bago ang sarili. Hinayaan niyang maging inspirasyon sa karamihan 'yung ginagawa niyang pagkanta, paggawa ng pelikula. Ginusto niya 'yun dahil gusto niyang iparating sa mga tao na ang tao rin ang nagbibigay ng lakas at pagmamahal sa kaniya,' he said. 'Kaya siya naging Superstar, kaya siya naging National Artist. Dahil 'yun sa pagmamahal, sa binigay ng Panginoon, at sa paniniwala kay Hesukristo.' He said Nora passed peacefully, 'surrounded by those who love her the most.' 'We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and condolences. Your messages are a powerful testament to how deeply she was cherished, not just by us, but by an entire nation,' he said. 'Thank you for honoring her life, her work, and the lasting mark she leaves behind.' The first night of Aunor's wake was attended by close friends and family, including Vilma Santos, Boots Anson-Roa, Senator Robin Padilla, and Nadia Montenegro. Fans-turned-friends Gie Tamayo and Tess Ocampo also came to pay their respects. Tamayo recalled her devotion to the Superstar from a young age. 'Napaka-humble. Napakabait po niya sa mga fans. Hindi niya tinuring na fans kundi pamilya,' she said. She also shared that the last time she saw Aunor was on March 26, when the actress allowed them to enter her room to meet her sister, a balikbayan and longtime fan. 'Dun niya kami pinapasok kasi nahihiya siya sa kapatid ko na balikbayan… fan niya rin na hindi niya maharap,' Tamayo said. Nora Aunor was 71. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022 and was widely known for her iconic roles in 'Himala,' 'Bona,' and 'Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo.'
Gulf Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Philippines film legend Aunor passes away at 71
Nora Aunor, considered by many Filipinos as their country's greatest actor and singer, has died aged 71, the government and her family said on Thursday. Proclaimed a "National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts" by the Philippines in 2022, the once child snack vendor will be honoured with a state funeral. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress," her adopted daughter Lotlot de Leon announced on Thursday on her Instagram page. The cause of death, which took place on Wednesday, was not disclosed. Aunor starred in 170 films and got her first break when cast in 1967's "All Over the World," a typical teen comedy of the era. With a darker skin tone compared to the half-Caucasian actors that dominated local cinema at the time - Aunor brought a relatability to audiences, earning her the nickname Ate guy, or big sister guy. She would become a sensation as part of a studio-manufactured "love team" with actor Tirso Cruz III. Together they were known as "Guy and Pip." Nora Aunor appears during the photo call for the film 'Sinapupunan' at the 69th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice. File / AP Critical acclaim followed nearly a decade later with starring roles in the dramas "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" ("Three Years Without God") and "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo" ("Once a Moth"), both released in 1976. Aunor also recorded hundreds of songs, including 1971's "Pearly Shells," said to be one of the Philippine's top-selling singles ever. On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos described her as "a gift to the Filipino nation," and the government's National Commission for Culture and the Arts said she would receive a state funeral. Aunor's daughter Leon later posted on Instagram that the funeral will take place on April 22 at the National Heroes Cemetery. "Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," Marcos said. "Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation." The fourth of five children from a family in the poverty-stricken Bicol region southeast of Manila, Aunor, born Nora Villamayor, helped the family make ends meet by selling cold water and snacks at a train station. Her grandmother taught her to sing, and at 14, she won a nationwide singing contest. She married Filipino actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and the couple had one biological child and four adopted children before separating two decades later. Aunor later immigrated to the United States, and in 2005 was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for drug possession. She underwent a court-directed drug diversion programme that kept her out of prison. She returned to Manila in 2011 to resume her acting and singing career. Agence France-Presse
Filipino Times
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Janine Gutierrez pays tribute to grandmother Nora Aunor: ‘She was always more to the people than ours'
Actress Janine Gutierrez took to social media to honor her late grandmother, National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, who passed away at the age of 71. In a heartfelt post, Janine shared a black-and-white portrait of the Superstar, along with a cherished family photo featuring herself, her siblings Jessica, Diego, and Maxine, and their beloved 'Mama Guy.' 'With sorrowful hearts, we share the passing of our grandmother, Mama Guy. A treasure to our family but truly always more to the people than ours,' she wrote. 'She had a life of giving her immeasurable love to everyone she touched, whether on screen, through music, or in person.' Janine also thanked the public for the outpouring of love and support during their time of grief and asked for continued prayers for their family. 'We find comfort in knowing she, the one and only Superstar, will be forever loved,' she added. Nora Aunor's passing was first confirmed by her son, Ian De Leon, in a Facebook post. Tributes from fellow artists, including Vilma Santos and Dingdong Dantes, soon poured in across social media. Her daughters, Lotlot and Matet, also posted messages of love and remembrance. Nora, hailed as the 'Superstar' of Philippine entertainment, was declared National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. She is best known for her iconic roles in Himala, Bona, and Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo. Her recent projects included Mananambal with Bianca Umali, Pieta with Alfred Vargas, and a guest appearance in the GMA Afternoon Prime series Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law. Aside from acting, Nora was also celebrated for her singing voice, with hits like Pearly Shells and Tiny Bubbles. She married actor Christopher de Leon in 1975. Though the marriage ended in annulment in 1996, they shared five children: Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
Saudi Gazette
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Famed Philippine film star Nora Aunor dies at 71
SYDNEY — Nora Aunor, one of the Philippines' most celebrated film stars, has died at the age of 71. Aunor's death on Wednesday was announced by her children on social media, but no further details were provided about her cause of death. "She touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade," her daughter and actor Lotlot de Leon said on Instagram. Born into a poor family in the city of Iriga, Aunor established a career in television, music and film over seven decades. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022 - the Philippines' highest honor for the arts. She rose to stardom as a singer in the 1960s before moving to the screen, where she amassed more than 200 credits in film and television. One of her most memorable performances was in 1995's The Flor Contemplacion Story, a film about a Filipino maid executed by Singapore for murdering her fellow domestic helper. Aunor won local and international awards for her portrayal, along with dozens of other acting honours over her career. She was married to Filipino actor Christopher de Leon from 1975 to 1996 and they had five children. Her son Kristoffer Ian De Leon remembered his mother as a "source of unconditional love" in a Facebook post. "She was the heart of our family. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her," he wrote. Aunor was most recently seen in the 2024 TV series Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law and filmed a special cameo for the musical Isang Himala. — BBC
