Filipino Icon Nora Aunor, Revered as ‘The Superstar,’ Passes Away at 71

Nora Aunor, a distinguished Filipina singer and actress known affectionately as “the Superstar,” passed away on April 16 in Pasig City, near Manila. She was 71 years old.

Her family announced her death at a hospital, citing acute respiratory failure following an angioplasty procedure as the cause.

Her son, Ian de Leon, remarked at a press conference that she forged a career that profoundly influenced Filipino culture over many decades.

Aunor was widely recognized for her petite frame, deeply expressive eyes capable of conveying complex emotions, and a complexion darker than the typical Filipino stars at the start of her career.

During her early years, Philippine movie stars were often of mixed heritage, displaying Spanish, Caucasian, or American features, some being offspring of American soldiers, which set a prevailing standard in the local entertainment industry.

Launching her career in the 1960s with films targeted at teenagers and romantic comedies, Aunor later matured into more serious roles, notably starring in the 1980 drama “Bona,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lino Brocka. In the film, she portrayed a working-class teenager obsessed with a self-absorbed movie extra.