Nora Aunor, the legendary Filipino actress and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts who passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71, was married to fellow actor Christopher de Leon. Their relationship was a significant chapter in Philippine entertainment history, producing a family that would continue their legacy in the industry.
Marriage to Christopher de Leon
Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon were married in a civil ceremony on January 25, 1975. The couple renewed their wedding vows in a religious ceremony officiated by Rev. Alleysius Rodríguez on January 27, 1976. Their marriage lasted for over two decades before they separated, with their union officially dissolved in 1996.
Christopher de Leon, born on October 31, 1956, in Manila, is an acclaimed Filipino actor, filmmaker, and politician often referred to as the “King of Philippine Drama.” He is known for his roles in films such as “Moments in a Stolen Dream” (1977), “Dirty Affair” (1990), “Dekada ’70” (2002), “The Legal Wife” (2014), and more recently, “When I Met You in Tokyo” (2023). After his separation from Aunor, de Leon married actress Sandy Andolong on March 27, 2001.
Their Children
Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon had one biological child and four adopted children:
- Ian de Leon (Kristoffer Ian) – Their only biological child, born in 1975. Ian followed in his parents’ footsteps and became an actor. He married Jennifer Orcine in 2015, and they have a son named Jaden. Ian was the one who confirmed his mother’s passing through a Facebook post, describing her as “the heart of our family—a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth.”
- Lotlot de Leon – Lotlot is of Filipino-American descent. Her biological parents were former U.S. Navy official Donald Olson and his partner Eva Rodriguez. She has become a respected character actress in her own right and is also a businesswoman who owns an establishment called The South Grill in Parañaque. Lotlot was previously married to Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez and later married Lebanese businessman Fadi El Soury in 2018, though reports suggest they may have separated.
- Matet de Leon – Matet also pursued acting and was nominated for Best Child Actress at the 1988 FAMAS Awards. She married former NU Bulldogs basketball player-turned-chef Mickey Estrada in 2004. They have three daughters—Mishka, Mikaela, and Mia—and lost their only son, Juan Miguel, who passed away after being born prematurely. Matet runs Soul Potato, a restaurant in Mandaluyong, and a small business called Casita Estrada, selling gourmet tuyo and tinapa.
- Kenneth de Leon – Kenneth maintains a lower profile than his siblings. On social media, he uses his mother’s real surname, “Villamayor.” He is married to Sam de Leon, and they have a daughter named Summer Helena.
- Kiko de Leon (Kix Villamayor) – Like Kenneth, Kiko keeps a relatively low profile. He has appeared in a few films such as “Takot Ako, Eh!” (1987), “Shake, Rattle and Roll 6” (1997), and “The Buy Bust Queen” (2022). He reportedly has a son named Arcki.
Family Tributes After Her Passing
Following Nora Aunor’s death at The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig on April 16, 2025, her children paid emotional tributes to their mother. Matet simply posted “I love you mommy” alongside photos from her 2004 wedding, while Lotlot shared a heartfelt message: “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.”
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts announced that Aunor would be accorded state memorial services, with a state funeral to be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery of the Heroes), befitting her status as a National Artist and cultural icon of the Philippines.