“Dancing With the Stars” season 34 contestant Robert Irwin is opening up about what his late father, Steve Irwin, would have thought about the show. “After doing this experience, I reckon I think he’d be stoked,” Robert shared with Us Weekly following the September 16 premiere.
Steve Irwin, known as “The Crocodile Hunter” passed away in 2006 after an injury while filming a documentary in the Batt Reef of Australia. He was known for his adventurous spirit and big personality, and Robert mused that his dad would have really enjoyed the atmosphere of “DWTS.”
“I reckon he would love it in here,” he said. “This is like the ultimate adrenaline rush, and that’s what he loved more than anything else.”
Robert Irwin Spoke About His Dad After His First Dance
Robert’s ballroom debut was nothing short of thrilling for fans. He and pro partner Witney Carson tore up the dance floor with a lively jive number set to “Born to Be Wild.” Robert’s dance moves were on point, as were his enthusiastic facial expressions throughout the number. He even lip synced along with the song as he and Carson perfectly executed their first dance together.
The nature conservationist garnered some of the highest scores of the night, and tied with “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas for the top spot.
After his performance, Robert told viewers that his dad, Steve, “showed what it is to live life at 100 percent, to lead with a sense of authentic positivity and enthusiasm.” He went on to say, “And that’s what I want to do, and that’s what I want to bring into the ballroom. It’s such a privilege to be able to do that alongside Witney.”
Robert Plans to Honor His Dad During ‘DWTS’
Although he didn’t go into detail, Robert told Us Weekly that he would like to honor his late father during his time on the show. “I would love to pay tribute to my dad, to my family and a legacy that is so important to me,” he shared.
Robert’s sister, Bindi Irwin, competed on season 21 of “DWTS” and took home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy alongside her partner Derek Hough. According to Robert, Bindi is his biggest cheerleader as he heads into the competition.
“She’s the best big sister ever,” he gushed. “All the trials and tribulations of life, she’s always been there for me, and she’s always just been almost like a second mom.”
