It’s pretty safe to say that everyone is a Robert Irwin fan, and joining the bandwagon is “The Office” alum Kate Flannery! Flannery is proudly rooting for Irwin on “Dancing With the Stars.” The actress, best known for playing Meredith Palmer on the hit NBC sitcom, took to Instagram to share her support for Irwin after crossing paths with him.
“Ran into this gem today,” Flannery captioned her post. “He’s tough, like me. He’s also on @dancingwiththestars like I once was. You better vote! This Tuesday is #wicked. Don’t mess with @robertirwinphotography. On #DWTS he’s tough & that’s not a crock.”
Flannery competed on “DWTS” Season 28 alongside pro dancer Pasha Pashkov, making her a fan-favorite for her humor and enthusiasm.
Robert Irwin Reflects on His Emotional ‘DWTS’ 5 Performance
Irwin, 21, recently delivered one of the most emotional routines of the season during Week 5’s “Dedication Night.”
The wildlife conservationist and his partner Witney Carson performed a moving contemporary dance to “You’ll Be in My Heart” from “Tarzan,” dedicating it to his mother, Terri Irwin.
“I will remember this night forever,” Irwin shared on Instagram. “This dance was a story of love, loss, grief, and gratitude. It is a thank you message to my mum… I know my dad was with us, and can only imagine how proud he would be of my mum.”
The performance ended with a tearful embrace between Robert, Terri, and his sister Bindi, leaving both the audience and judges deeply moved.
Honoring His Mother’s Strength & Legacy
Getty/CanvaSpeaking with People, Irwin opened up about how his mother’s resilience shaped his life after the loss of his father, Steve Irwin, who died in 2006 at age 44.
“I never felt as though I ever missed out on anything in life,” he said. “I always felt, obviously, I was missing a very big part of my life, but she made sure I never felt I missed out.”
Irwin called his mother “a strong, kind, and vulnerable human being” who carried both parental roles while keeping his father’s legacy alive. “At every milestone, when I wished Dad was there, she was there — and that was enough.”
DisneyJudge Derek Hough, who previously danced with Bindi Irwin during her “DWTS” win in 2015, told Robert after his performance, “The love I have for your family… I’m so proud of you.”
Irwin’s tribute to his mother not only brought the ballroom to tears but also reminded fans of the Irwin family’s enduring love and strength. With stars like Kate Flannery cheering him on, Robert’s journey on “Dancing With the Stars” continues to touch hearts around the world.
“Dancing With the Stars” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
