Curiosity piques as fans of the iconic Nickelodeon series, “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” wonder about the whereabouts of Noah Ringer, the young actor who portrayed the titular character, Aang.
This question has intensified since the release of Netflix’s version of the famous animated series. So, what has become of Ringer, the boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders, tasked with bringing balance to the four nations?
After facing criticism for his role as Aang in “The Last Airbender,” Noah Ringer chose to step away from acting. Despite brief roles in films like “Cowboys & Aliens” in 2011, he shifted focus to martial arts mentoring and personal pursuits like graduating from school, reading, and sports.
Where Is Noah Ringer, the First Live-Action Avatar?
As memories of M. Night Shyamalan’s ill-fated live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” still linger like a bad dream, one can’t help but wonder about the fate of the actors who breathed life into the beloved characters.
Amidst the ashes of the cinematic debacle, where has Noah Ringer, the young Airbender, disappeared to?
Although Ringer faced backlash for his role as Aang, particularly due to controversies surrounding the film, he has remained tight-lipped about the criticism.
Cast as Aang at just twelve years old, Ringer, like Jake Lloyd of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” fame, chose to step away from acting entirely in response to the negativity.
However, despite the mixed reception of “The Last Airbender,” Ringer didn’t vanish from the scene immediately. In 2011, he ventured into another genre film, “Cowboys & Aliens,” portraying the character Emmett Taggert.
Unfortunately, even with big names like Daniel Craig and Abigail Spencer, the movie failed to impress audiences, leading Ringer to explore different avenues.
Ringer’s martial arts skills played a pivotal role in his casting for “The Last Airbender.” Hailing from Dallas, Texas, he was discovered at an open casting call, showcasing impressive Taekwondo prowess.
His preparation for the role involved mastering three additional forms of martial arts: T’ai Chi, Baguazhang, and Wushu. By October 2010, he had achieved a First Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.
Today, Ringer channels his passion for martial arts by mentoring young practitioners as part of the American Taekwondo Association’s Leadership Program.
Despite his former Hollywood stardom, Ringer now prioritizes local events and charitable activities over glitzy premieres. His Facebook page, last updated in 2015, reflects this shift in focus.
Away from the spotlight, Ringer leads a typical life. He loves reading, sports, and spending time with friends.
In August 2015, his Facebook page indicated that he had graduated from high school, having been homeschooled throughout his life, and was preparing for college.
While his return to acting remains uncertain, it’s evident that Ringer has found fulfillment in pursuits beyond the silver screen.
Do you think Noah Ringer made the right choice in stepping away from acting to focus on martial arts? What lessons can aspiring actors and performers learn from Noah Ringer’s journey?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
