Even though it’s been over 30 years, Tami Stronach will probably never be able to go through an interview without mention of her role as the “Childlike Empress” in Wolfgang Petersen’s 1984 fantasy film, The NeverEnding Story. A German production, the film cost about $27 million to make and it was Germany’s most expensive film at the time of its release. (It’s since reported to have earned over $100 worldwide.)
Although she was not completely new to acting when she was cast in the movie at age 12, A Neverending Story was Tami’s first motion picture and, being such a prominent role, it could have been the start of an equally prominent acting career. However and despite subsequent offers she received, Tami’s parents chose not to allow her to go down that road, out of their concern about the pitfalls that many child actors succumb to. Save for a few acting roles here and there, Tami went on to pursue a dance career. One that has turned out to be very successful.
Tami joined the Neta Dance Company in 1996 and formed her own dance company, Tami Stronach Dance, in 2000. She and her company have since performed at over 30 renowned venues in and around New York City. In addition, Tami co-founded Paper Canoe, a family-oriented performing arts company that produce, as she describes, “physically driven, ensemble based works that combine forms with sophistication.” Tami and Paper Canoe are currently preparing for their next performance, which is at the Jalopy Theater and School of Music in Brooklyn on October 29th. Last month, Tami very graciously gave an exclusive interview to Idol Features, revealing that she has been far from inactive in the 33 years since The NeverEnding Story, and whether on not she prospered from the film’s subsequent worldwide success. Just click play.
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. Currently in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco, besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
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