The cast of 'The NeverEnding Story' 42 years later
Stars of the iconic 1984 fantasy film have pursued diverse paths in photography, dance, martial arts, and continued acting.
More than four decades after its 1984 release, the stars of the beloved fantasy film "The NeverEnding Story" have embarked on varied life journeys. The movie, based on Michael Ende's novel and directed by Wolfgang Petersen, told the story of Bastian Balthazar Bux, a lonely boy who discovers a magical book and is drawn into the world of Fantastica. Despite a lukewarm initial reception from the book's author, the film became a pop culture phenomenon.
Barret Oliver, who portrayed Bastian, was cast after an extensive search. Now 53, Oliver has moved away from acting, becoming a respected photographer and historian specializing in 19th-century photographic processes. He is the author of "A History Of The Woodburytype" and, as of April 2008, was teaching photography in Los Angeles. He also worked as a stills photographer for "Cold Mountain" and appeared in a 2012 short film about his craft.
Noah Hathaway, known for his role as the warrior Atreyu, has maintained a connection to the film industry while exploring other interests. Hathaway, now 54, starred in independent films such as "Sushi Girl" (2012), has written screenplays, and has also voiced characters for "South Park." He developed a passion for martial arts, earning black belts in Tang Soo Do and Shotokan Karate, and also pursued interests in tattoo artistry and motorbike racing. Hathaway frequently attends fan conventions celebrating "The NeverEnding Story" and is set to voice a character in the upcoming film "Mondo Holocausto!"
Tami Stronach, who played the Childlike Empress at the age of 10, pursued a career in dance and choreography. After a brief acting role in a Czech television film following "The NeverEnding Story," Stronach focused on her education at her parents' request. She went on to co-found a dance company in New York and had a 20-year professional dancing career. In 2024, she returned to acting in the fantasy film "Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps," a project that also involved her husband, Greg Steinbruner, who wrote the screenplay.
Two sequels to "The NeverEnding Story" were released in 1990 and 1994 but did not achieve the same success as the original. A documentary, "Life After Atreyu," began production in 2020.