Noah Hathaway

Noah Leslie Hathaway, born on November 13, 1971, is a renowned American actor and former teen idol. He gained widespread recognition for his memorable performances, notably as Atreyu in the beloved 1984 film The NeverEnding Story and as Boxey in the original television series Battlestar Galactica. Hathaway’s portrayal of Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story garnered him immense popularity, particularly as a teen idol in Europe.

Career
Early Work
Noah Hathaway was born in Los Angeles, California, and embarked on his acting journey at a young age. He made his debut in the entertainment industry by appearing in commercials as early as three years old. As he grew older, he starred in various TV films and series, including a notable episode of Family Ties called “Designated Hitter” in Season 4. At the age of six, he portrayed Boxey in Battlestar Galactica, which earned him a nomination in the inaugural Young Artist Awards.

The NeverEnding Story
In 1984, Hathaway landed the iconic role of Atreyu in the fantasy film The NeverEnding Story. His exceptional performance earned him a second Young Artist Awards nomination and ultimately secured him the award for Best Younger Actor at the 12th Annual Saturn Awards. Hathaway’s dedication to the role was evident as he performed his own stunts, despite encountering a few close calls. Director Wolfgang Petersen sought a talented actor with an athletic physique and fierce determination to bring Atreyu to life. Hathaway’s commitment to realism led him to ride horses, fly on the back of a dragon, navigate treacherous swamps, climb rocks, and battle a formidable wolf-vampire.

Reflecting on his experience, Hathaway noted the director’s preference for actors performing their own stunts, even if it entailed risks and potential injuries. While acknowledging the dangers, he emphasized the importance of authenticity in filmmaking. Hathaway’s enduring connection to The NeverEnding Story became evident during his time as a tattoo artist, as clients frequently requested tattoos of the AURYN amulet, a symbol from the film that his character wore. He fondly recalls giving fifteen different clients AURYN amulet tattoos in just three weeks.

Later Roles
Following his breakthrough, Hathaway starred as Harry Potter Jr. in the 1986 film Troll and appeared in the television movie Casebusters as Jamie. After a hiatus from acting, he returned in 1994 with the film To Die, to Sleep, marking his transition into adult roles. Hathaway took another break from the industry but made a comeback in 2011, showcasing his talent in films such as Mondo Holocausto! as Ruggero Margheriti and Sushi Girl as Fish.

In 2016, Hathaway delighted fans by reprising his iconic role from The NeverEnding Story in a Spotify commercial that celebrated the nostalgia of the 1980s.

Noah Hathaway’s remarkable contributions to the entertainment world have left an indelible mark. His portrayal of beloved characters, particularly Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story, continues to captivate audiences and evoke fond memories. Through his diverse range of performances, Hathaway has proven himself as a versatile actor with a remarkable ability to bring characters to life.