Robert Irwin was just two years old when his father, beloved conservationist Steve Irwin, tragically passed away. Now 21 years old, Robert has never felt closer to his father, thanks in large part to Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe.
While attending the premiere of Crowe’s film Nuremberg at the AFI Fest 2025 on October 24, Robert People magazine that Crowe, 61, played an important role in keeping his father’s memory alive after he tragically passed away in 2006 at the age of 44.
“I’ve known him as long as I’ve been alive,” Robert revealed, reminiscing about early childhood moments he shared with both Crowe and his father, who were “best friends.”
Robert – who recently paid tribute to both his parents Dancing with the stars —said Crowe gives him a fresh perspective on his father’s legacy.
“He’s basically been there to keep my father alive in my life,” he said. “He has so many stories about him and his dad, and I feel like I get an even better idea of my dad when I’m around Russell.”
Robert explained that Crowe’s friendship with his father offers insights that even his family – including mother Terri – cannot.
Having picked up his father’s mission at an early age, he recently reflected, “It will be the honor of my life to continue this legacy. If I can make my father proud, I have done my job.”
He added, “Behind everything I do is a conservation mission that my father started.”
