It hasn’t taken long for “Dancing With the Stars” viewers to fall in love with Robert Irwin. The son of the late “Crocodile Hunter,” Steve Irwin, he possesses a humble and modest personality and is remarkably grounded for someone who has been in the public eye since birth. Whether admitting to having a crush on Zendaya growing up or apologizing to a restaurant on social media after forgetting to pay, he seems genuine and sincere.
Robert was only two years old when a stingray barb killed Steve. Once Robert became old enough, he strived to continue his dad’s work as an animal conservationist. He spoke to People about bringing Steve’s “energy into the ballroom” and to “honor him and his legacy.” However, in the end, he’s still a person who wishes his dad were there to watch him.
Robert Irwin Brings ALL the Energy to DWTS
“I wish — really wish — that dad was here to watch,” Robert admitted to People after finishing his second dance. “But I’m doing this, and I do what I do in life to make him proud.”
“I think Derek [Hough] summed it up pretty well in one word, I think he’d say ‘Crikey,'” Robert joked about what his dad would think about his DWTS journey. “But I think he’d be stoked. Dad was the sort of person where he just gave everything he did, everything he had. Truly. And this experience, that’s what you’ve got to do.”
“You’ve got to show every side to yourself, you’ve got to put every single fiber of your energy into this,” he continued. “And you get all of that back. You get this feeling of just flying, it is amazing.”
Robert has definitely been successful at bringing all of his energy to his dances. While Hough used the word ‘Crikey’ to describe his and Witney Carson’s dance, the other judges had more to say.
“This level of competition is insane,” judge Carrie Ann Inaba told him. “Your charisma is off the charts.” Bruno Tonioli agreed, telling Robert that he was in “leading man mode.”
Bindi Cheers for Robert as He Dances His Heart Out on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
While Robert may be wishing his dad could be there, much of his family has been. He has expressed gratitude that his sister, Bindi Irwin, and her family even moved to Los Angeles to support him during DWTS.
Bindi and her daughter, Grace, will be cheering the loudest for Robert. She’s also been giving valuable advice to her little brother, since she won the Mirrorball Trophy ten years ago.
“Can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I won ‘Dancing With the Stars’ with the most remarkable human being, Derek Hough,” Bindi wrote on Instagram. “So excited to be back in the ballroom celebrating my brother.”
