What Happened to Nora Aunor? Philippine Film Star Passes Away
Reports are circulating about the passing of Filipino film icon Nora Aunor, and people are wondering whether this is true, as well as the cause of her death. Aunor, whose birth name was Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, was a veteran and celebrated member of the film industry in the Philippines with a career stretching back to the ’60s.
So, here’s everything to know about the reports surrounding Aunor’s demise and the reasons behind the same.
Nora Aunor passes away at 71, claims report
Actress Nora Aunor died on April 16, 2025, at age 71. She is survived by her children Lotlet, Ian, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth de León. Aunor’s children confirmed the reports of her death.
“We love you, Ma,” Ian shared on Facebook, before adding in Filipino, “God knows how much we love you.. Rest in peace, Mom.. You are always here in our hearts and minds.” Meanwhile, Aunor’s daughter, Matet, who is also an actress, shared photos of her mother on Instagram. She wrote in the caption, “I love you mommy.”
At the time of writing, Aunor’s cause of death hasn’t been released to the media and public. However, back in February 2023, she stated that she “died” for three minutes after experiencing low oxygen levels.
The actress subsequently requested to be taken to a hospital. “What happened, I don’t know, no one helped,” she recounted during an interview with Boy Abunda. She added, “They didn’t rush to give me oxygen. I went to bed [and] I don’t know what happened. When I woke up, I was in the ICU.” [via ABS CBN]. The late film icon also revealed that she had another near-death experience in 1982 after being in a car accident.
Nora Aunor started her career as a singer after claiming the top spot in a talent contest. Some of her most memorable projects are Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God), Himala, Bulaklak sa City Jail (Flowers of the City Jail), and Bona. She won several awards throughout her career, including multiple Best Actress accolades at the FAMAS Award.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts has announced that state necrological services will be held for Aunor. Furthermore, she will receive a state funeral and will be laid to rest in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) on April 22, 2025.
