Noah Ringer

Noah Andrew Ringer (born November 18, 1996) is an American martial artist and former child actor. He starred as Aang in the film The Last Airbender and played Emmett in Cowboys & Aliens (2011).

Life and career Ringer was born in Dallas, Texas. When he was ten, his mother enrolled him at ATA Martial Arts in Carrollton, Texas, part of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). He showed early promise and soon began competing in tournaments. In December 2008, at age twelve, Ringer earned his first degree black belt. Ringer's taekwondo instructor, Master Eric Pechacek, started watching the show and also noticed the resemblance of Ringer to Aang, in both appearance and personality. He introduced the show to Ringer, who became an immediate fan.

In July 2008, Pechacek received an email from the ATA, inviting any interested students to audition for the role of Aang in The Last Airbender. Pechacek urged Ringer to try out for the part. He performed an XMA Jahng Bong routine and recited a few lines.

In March 2011, Ringer was nominated for Best Performance in a Feature Film by a Leading Young Actor for the 32nd Annual Young Artist Awards. In May 2011, Ringer won the 3rd Annual TheSkyKid.Com "Coming of Age" Best Actor movie award for his performance in The Last Airbender.

In July 2011, Ringer played the role of Emmett Taggart in Cowboys & Aliens, a sci-fi western film directed by Jon Favreau.

Martial arts Ringer's first ATA tournament was the World Championships in Arkansas. He won first place in every category he competed in. During his first two years with the ATA, Ringer competed in 25 tournaments, winning 100 medals, 80 of them gold.

For The Last Airbender, Ringer learned baguazhang, tai chi, and Wushu. These styles are "soft", compared to taekwondo, which is a "hard" style. Ringer continues to train in American taekwondo. In October 2010, he earned his second degree black belt. Ringer teaches other students in the ATA, as part of the Leadership Program.

Filmography Year Film Role Notes 2010 The Last Airbender Aang 2011 Cowboys & Aliens Emmett Taggart

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Nominated work(s) Result 2011 TheSkyKid.com "Coming of Age" Best Actor The Last Airbender 2011 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Screen Couple