Russell Crowe, a longtime friend of the Irwin family, made a rare appearance during “Dancing with the Stars” finale week and shared what he believes Steve Irwin would think of Robert’s emotional run on the show. In an interview with the New York Times published Sunday, November 23, Crowe said Steve would be “so impressed” by his son’s performances.
Robert, 21, went on to win the season 34 title on Tuesday, Nov. 25, after delivering some of his strongest dances of the competition.
Crowe Says Steve Irwin Would Be “So Impressed” Watching Robert Dance
Getty“Although Steve could read the rhythms of the seasons and every living creature, he was absolutely not gifted with a sense of musical rhythm,” Crowe joked. “In his hands, a tambourine became a deadly weapon.”
He added that Steve would be moved by watching Robert perform on the ballroom floor. “I think he would watch Robert dancing and how he uses his body, the strength and poise, and he would be in awe of his son.”
Crowe’s warm memories highlight the bond he shared with the late conservationist and the way he sees Steve reflected in Robert today.
Actor Shares Why Steve Lacked Rhythm but Loved Movement
DisneyCrowe repeated one of his favorite anecdotes from their friendship. “Although Steve could read the rhythms of the seasons and every living creature, he was absolutely not gifted with a sense of musical rhythm,” he said again. “In his hands, a tambourine became a deadly weapon.”
The actor said Steve’s lack of rhythm only makes Robert’s success on “DWTS” more striking. He believes Steve would be “in awe” of Robert’s precision, strength, and musicality.
Robert Reflects on Crowe’s Role in Keeping His Father’s Memory Alive
Robert has often said Crowe has played a significant role in helping him understand who his father was. At the 2025 AFI Fest premiere of Crowe’s film “Nuremberg,” Robert attended with his mother, Terri Irwin, and spoke about the impact the actor has had on him.
“I’ve known him for as long as I’ve been alive,” he said. “I have some very early memories, actually. Some of the earliest memories of me with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special.”
Robert said Crowe gives him a view of Steve that he cannot get anywhere else. “I’m really grateful that I have someone in my life who … he’s actually been there to, in a way, keep my dad alive in my life,” he continued. “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.”
A Friendship That Offers Robert a Rare Window Into Steve Irwin’s Life
Robert added that Crowe offers a perspective he cannot get from his mother, Terri, or his sister, Bindi, who won season 21 of “DWTS” with Derek Hough in 2015.
“Russell and dad were just great mates, so it’s a different perspective than when you’re hearing about your mom,” he explained. “It’s meaningful. He’s someone that I look up to and has truly inspired me.”
Steve Irwin became a global icon through his series “Crocodile Hunter.” He died on Sept. 4, 2006, after being attacked by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary.
