Robert Irwin Remembers Steve Irwin Through Russell Crowe
Robert Irwin, 21, shared with PEOPLE how longtime family friend and actor Russell Crowe has helped him keep memories of his late father, Steve Irwin, alive. Speaking at the AFI Fest 2025 screening of Crowe’s new film Nuremberg on October 24 in Hollywood, Robert described Crowe as a bridge to his early memories with his dad.
“Some of the earliest memories of me with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special,” Robert said. “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.”
Robert explained that Crowe offers a perspective on his father that is different from his family members. “Russell and dad were just great mates, so it’s a different perspective than when you’re hearing about your mom,” he said. “It’s meaningful. He’s someone that I look up to and has truly inspired me.”
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Amid his Dancing With the Stars participation, Robert has also reflected on his father’s legacy, dedicating a performance to his mother, Terri Irwin, and opening up about grief and family strength. “True strength is being able to find and feel your own vulnerability, your own emotion,” he said, praising his mother as a role model who guides him through challenges.
Steve Irwin, the beloved “Crocodile Hunter,” died in 2006 at age 44 after a stingray incident while filming an underwater documentary in Australia.
AFI Fest 2025 screening attendees included Robert and Terri Irwin, supporting Crowe’s portrayal of Hermann Göring in Nuremberg, which releases in theaters on November 7.
