Robert Irwin may be competing under the bright lights of Hollywood on season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars,” but he says his heart remains firmly in Australia.
Despite his growing schedule and rising profile, he told Travel + Leisure that his home country continues to keep him grounded and connected to his late father, Steve Irwin.
Robert Irwin Reflects on His Bond With Late Father Steve Irwin
“It is where I feel his energy and his passion more than anywhere else,” Robert said of Australia.
“That’s the great part of getting to live here,” he continued. “It’s so easy to get out in the middle of nowhere and just forget everything. You feel like you’re part of something so much bigger than yourself.”
Steve Irwin, famously known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” died at age 44 after being attacked by a stingray while filming in the Batt Reef on Sept. 4, 2006. For Robert, who was just 2 years old at the time, carrying his father’s legacy forward has been a lifelong mission.
In a recent Instagram post, Robert paid tribute to his late father and his home country with a heartwarming video showcasing his family and their national pride writing, “I am so proud to be an Aussie. Sharing stories about my family and our beautiful backyard while on set with @australia? Doesn’t get much better.”
Robert Irwin on Carrying on the Irwin Legacy
Robert described his father as “the embodiment of passion, of living life to 100 percent,” qualities he closely associates with Australia itself.
“If Australia were a person, it would be my dad,” Robert told the outlet. “To love your wildlife, to be passionate, to have that spirit of mateship and camaraderie with everyone. He is just a superhero to me.”
Beyond “Dancing with the Stars,” Robert works alongside his mother, Terri Irwin, sister, Bindi, and brother-in-law, Chandler Powell, at Australia Zoo. The family continues Steve’s mission of wildlife conservation and animal rehabilitation, a responsibility Robert says is both personal and professional.
Earlier this month, Robert told People that his time on the ABC competition series is another chance to spread awareness.
“In my line of work, I get to see two sides to the same coin,” he explained. “I see the beauty of nature, because I’m immersed in it every day, but I also get to see the absolute atrocities that are happening to the natural world. I mean, there’s no two ways about it — we’re going through a very, very tough time with the planet and climate change.”
Robert has also found ways to honor his father directly on “Dancing with the Stars,” incorporating nods to Steve into his wardrobe choices and dance routines.
For Robert, staying connected to both his roots and his father’s memory continues to be a guiding force — whether in the conservation field or under the stage lights.
“Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and is simulcast on Disney+. Episodes stream the following day on Hulu.
