Whatever Happened To Atreyu From The NeverEnding Story?

Noah Hathaway landed the role of a lifetime when he was cast as Atreyu in 1984’s The NeverEnding Story. At just 13 years old, this veteran child actor became the hero of one of the most enduring fantasy films of all time, battling Gmork, helping to save The Childlike Empress, and befriending everyone’s favorite dog-dragon-thing, Falcor. It’s strange, then, that he essentially disappeared from Hollywood a few years later.

Hathaway’s personal life turned out to be almost as colorful as the fantasy epic that cemented him in the pop culture zeitgeist forever. He transitioned into a tattoo artist, a custom motorcycle builder, and a fledgling screenwriter. He’s not shy about sharing his experiences as a child star of the '80s, revealing scandalous behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Family Ties. Now, after a long hiatus, Hathaway is getting back into the movie business, but between 1986 and 2012, he logged just a single film credit. So, how did he end up in all those other professions during those years?

Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of Noah Hathaway, exploring the highs and lows of his career after playing Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story.

Biography

Atreyu’s Impact on Hathaway’s Life

The role of Atreyu was monumental for Hathaway, but it also took a toll on him. The film's production lasted an entire year, and scenes often required multiple takes, sometimes up to 40! This intense experience led Hathaway to step away from acting just two years after the film's release. In his own words, he expressed a desire to “drop off the radar and be a regular human being” after dedicating the first two decades of his life to acting.

Following The NeverEnding Story, Hathaway completed the cult classic Troll but then shifted his focus to various other passions. He explored becoming a dance instructor, competing in amateur martial arts tournaments, and even racing motorcycles. This diversity of interests reflects his quest for identity beyond the screen, allowing him to craft a life filled with adventures and personal growth.