Memorable 80s child star makes her comeback 40 years after she shot to stardom in fantasy hit The NeverEnding Story
One of the most recognisable 80s child stars has made her big screen comeback 40 years on from the release of the film which shot her into superstardom.
Tami Stronach, 51, became a household name at age 11 when she portrayed The Childlike Empress in 1984 German fantasy film The NeverEnding Story.
Now, the Iran-born actress is preparing for the release of her very first feature film since: Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps.
Man And Witch, in the works since 2021, is a comic adventure which serves as a heartwarming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the 80s.
The film follows a lonely goatherd, cursed at birth to never marry, who strikes a deal with a reclusive witch to reverse the spell.
One of the most recognisable 80s child stars has made her big screen comeback 40 years on from the release of the film which shot her into superstardom
Tami Stronach, 51, (right, in 2023) became a household name at age 11 when she portrayed the Childlike Empress (left) in 1984 German fantasy film The NeverEnding Story
However, there is a twist: in order for the curse to be removed, the goatherd must complete three impossible tasks to find true love.
Tami stars as the Witch, and she is joined by Jennifer Saunders as Goose, Eddie Izzard as Sheep, and Bill Bailey as Donkey.
Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin voices Dog, Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd plays a kooky Alchemist, and Father Ted star Pauline McLynn plays the Mother.
Also appearing will be ex-Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernice, in his film debut, who will portray a dance master.
The film was written by Tami's actor husband of 14 years Greg Steinbruner.
Recalling the The NeverEnding Story period of her life, Tami told Metro.co.uk: 'It was my happy place. It was such a spectacle, I don't think at the time as a child I understood how lucky I was,' she said about the set of the beloved fantasy.
Tami revealed her 'favourite part' of filming was working with acclaimed director Wolfgang Petersen, best known for his 2004 movie Troy, whom she says didn't treat her like a child, and was the perfect professional.
The NeverEnding Story was filmed over three months in Bavaria, Germany, and Tami and her mother moved there temporarily.
After the film became a cult classic, the Stronach family were hit with unwanted attention, including stalking incidents.
Most disturbing of all, 11-year-old Tami would receive offers from Hollywood studios to play inappropriate roles, including some that allegedly required nudity.
Tami explained: 'There are people that navigated it brilliantly, I look at Natalie Portman – it can be done. But those are very smart women and kudos to them. It's definitely a lot to take on.'
Now, the Iran-born actress is preparing for the release of her very first feature film since: Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps (pictured: Tami on Saturday)
Tami at the Man And Witch world premiere in London in June with her actor husband of 14 years Greg Steinbruner, who wrote the film and their daughter Maya
Man And Witch, in the works since 2021, is a comic adventure which serves as a heartwarming homage to the lo-fi fantasy films of the 80s
The film follows a lonely goatherd, cursed at birth to never marry, who strikes a deal with a reclusive witch to reverse the spell
Despite being offered 'three or four' acting roles straight off the bat, Tami declined them all and instead pursued theatre and dance work for the next few decades of her life, culminating in the creation of the Tami Stronach Dance company.
In 2019, Netflix smash hit series Stranger Things used The NeverEnding Story theme song in their soundtrack,
This was the gentle nudge Tami needed to head back into the limelight and Man And Witch was born not long afterwards.
Now re-entering the industry as a fully-fledged adult with a 'seat at the table', Tami is insistent on making her 'own route'.
And though she has been absent from the silver screen for four decades, for NeverEnding Story fans it is like she has never left.
Tami is a regular face at Comic Cons worldwide, celebrating her character and connection with the longtime fans of the franchise.
She still gets recognised everywhere she goes, even if people can't quite remember why she looks so familiar.
Tami is the co-founder of creative studio Paper Canoe Company which seeks to 'create stories large and small for the whole family'.
However, there is a twist: in order for the curse to be removed, the goatherd must complete three impossible tasks to find true love
Tami stars as the Witch, and she is joined by Jennifer Saunders as Goose, Eddie Izzard as Sheep, and Bill Bailey as Donkey
Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin voices Dog, Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd plays a kooky Alchemist, and Father Ted star Pauline McLynn plays the Mother
And to top it all off, the playlist for the London premiere in June was brought together by none other than Hollywood legend himself Elijah Wood.
And in many ways, Man and Witch is truly a full circle moment for Tami whose 10-year-old daughter, Maya, will also make her own film debut.
And, if Tami has anything to say about it, she will star in many more films to come.
Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps shows in select US cinemas on July 28 and July 30.
Man And Witch: The Dance Of A Thousand Steps shows in select US cinemas on July 28 and July 30
