Tami Stronach

Tami Stronach was born on July 31, 1972, in Tehran, Imperial State of Iran, to archaeologist parents, David Stronach and Ruth Vaadia. Her early life involved moving between Iran, Israel, the United Kingdom, and eventually Berkeley, California, due to the Iranian Revolution and her father’s academic career at the University of California, Berkeley. This diverse upbringing contributed to her ability to speak English, Hebrew, and Persian. Stronach’s artistic inclinations emerged early; she studied musical theatre in Berkeley as a child. A pivotal moment in her early career came when she was discovered while performing as Piglet in a San Francisco stage adaptation of “Winnie-the-Pooh”.

At the age of 11, Tami Stronach secured the role of the Childlike Empress in Wolfgang Petersen’s 1984 film, “The NeverEnding Story,” after a rigorous audition process that saw her competing against others like Heather O’Rourke. Filming in Bavaria, Germany, was a significant experience, though her parents declined a sequel contract and further child acting opportunities due to concerns about the pressures of childhood stardom. Following the film’s success, Stronach faced unwanted public attention and offers for roles deemed inappropriate for her age. She then shifted her focus to professional dancing, moving to New York City in her twenties to pursue this passion. She danced with Neta Pulvermacher and Dancers and showcased her own productions.

In her adult life, Stronach diversified her career, becoming a professor in New York City. Alongside her husband, Greg Steinbruner, she co-founded Shoehorn Theater and later The Paper Canoe Company, an entertainment business dedicated to children’s theatre, film, and education. The resurgence of interest in “The NeverEnding Story” following its inclusion in the TV series “Stranger Things” prompted Stronach to return to film acting. She co-produced and starred as the Witch in “Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps,” a fantasy film released in 2024, which also features her daughter, Maya. This project marks her return to major film roles after decades, demonstrating her continued engagement with creative endeavors on her own terms.