Erin began acting and modeling at 8 years old after becoming an Elite Model with Elite Model Management. Erin took method acting, singing, dancing, and gymnastics. Erin grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, but when she was 9 years old her family moved to Miami, Florida. Erin auditioned for the role of Pippi Longstocking when she was 11 and won the part out of over 8,000 girls. Casting director Garrison True said that finding someone like her "is an effort that has taken many years and much patience." The film's director, Ken Annakin, described her personality as a good fit for the role: "Tami radiates sunshine. When she smiles everyone is happy. She is Pippi Longstocking.". In conjunction with the release of the movie Erin signed endorsement deals with Aqua Fresh Toothpaste, Hostess Cupcakes, and Determined Toys the manufacturers of the "Tami Erin Pippi Longstocking Dolls". The first Royal world premiere was hosted by the Princess of Japan, Princess Nori, in Tokyo. The second Royal premiere was hosted by King Carl, Queen Silvia and author Astrid Lindgren in Stockholm, Sweden. According to some authors, the "awareness" of Sweden as a country was increased by the book and film, "Sweden awareness was raised worldwide in the 1988 by Pippi Longstocking." The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking were re-released by Columbia Pictures on DVD in 2000 and as a double feature with Matilda in 2007. Most recently, Erin appeared in the "Chrimbus Special" episode of Tim & Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!. Erin also appeared in the Dreamscape Cinema film Disconnect as well as in the Giant Wonder computer animated seriesAGENTS as LG-22.
Philanthropy
Erin served as a United Nations Ambassador for UNICEF. Working with UNICEF, she spoke internationally on behalf of the United Nations and at the United Nations on World Children's Day to the delegates of over 100 countries. In 2011, Erin partnered with Create Now and La Fine Clothing for a fundraising campaign. Tami and La Fine Clothing co-designed a line of T-shirts sold in Europe, Japan and the United States with 100% of the profits benefiting Create Now. Erin also heads the Pippi clothing line and just became an ambassador for Hearts.com, an eco-fashion line of 2,000 artisans who recycle clothing and accessories for six international charities. In 2013 Erin became an International Ambassador for Hearts.com to raise funds for the IHeart Change program for 6 international charities including Generosity Water, Pencils of Promise, Eden Projects, International Lifeline Fund, Free The Slaves, and Kili To Chili.
In 2013, Erin was charged with Misdemeanor DUI In 2014, she was sentenced to Misdemeanor DUI to enter an alcohol education program and attend 10 weeks of AA
