Nora Villamayor was born into a large and impoverished family in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, where she began selling water at the railroad station at the tender age of five. Growing up, she and her family resided in a humble nipa house, illuminated only by a single gasera, and on occasion, Nora would attend school without the luxury of footwear. However, the allure of Tinseltown eventually beckoned, and she began a successful film career, often paired alongside the renowned Tirso Cruz III as the beloved duo Guy and Pip, a partnership that endured for many years until they parted ways professionally.
As Nora's career progressed, she transitioned from musicals to dramatic roles, showcasing her remarkable acting abilities and ultimately establishing herself as one of the most exceptional actresses in the industry, a distinction she still holds to this day.