Robert Irwin just revealed that someone from outside his family played a powerful role in helping him understand his father’s legacy — legendary actor Russell Crowe.
In an interview with People published Saturday, Oct. 25, the Dancing With The Stars contestant shared how the Gladiator actor has helped him to keep his late father Steve Irwin’s memory alive.
“I’ve known him for as long as I’ve been alive,” Irwin said of Crowe while attending the premiere of his new film Nuremberg alongside his mother Terri Irwin at the 2025 AFI Fest. “I have some very early memories, actually. Some of the earliest memories of me with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special.”
“I’m really grateful that I have someone in my life who … he’s actually been there to, in a way, keep my dad alive in my life,” he continued. “He has so many stories to share of him and dad, and I feel like I build an even better picture of my dad when I’m around Russell.”
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Irwin added that the actor has given him a unique perspective on his father, separate from what he hears from his mother or his sister Bindi.
“Russell and dad were just great mates, so it’s a different perspective than when you’re hearing about your mom,” he explained. “It’s meaningful. He’s someone that I look up to and has truly inspired me.”
Steve Irwin was an Australian zookeeper and wildlife conservationist who first became famous for his television show Crocodile Hunter. He died on Sept. 4, 2006 after being attacked by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary. Robert was only 2 years old at the time.
In a recent interview with Parade, the 21-year-old revealed he would like to honor his dad’s legacy by playing him on Broadway one day.
“The Crocodile Hunter on Broadway, I never thought about that,” he said excitedly. “I mean, bring the spirit of wildlife conservation…to the stage.”
His DWTS partner Witney Carson called the idea “incredible,” while Irwin joked he was “having an epiphany” just thinking about it — even imagining the cast dressed in bedazzled khaki uniforms.
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Dancing with the Stars airs LIVE on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+ and streams next day on Hulu.
Crowe’s movie Nuremberg premieres in theaters on Nov. 7.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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