Russell Crowe thinks Robert Irwin’s participation in Dancing with the Stars would have made his late father, Steve, proud.
Crowe spoke about Robert’s dancing talents in a new interview with the New York Times.
“Although Steve could read the rhythms of the seasons and of every living thing, he was by no means gifted with a sense of musical rhythm,” Crowe wrote to the outlet. “In his hands, a tambourine became a deadly weapon.”
Beloved conservationist Steve died in an underwater accident in 2006 at the age of 44, leaving behind Robert, daughter Bindi and widow Terri.
“I think he would see Robert dancing and how he uses his body, the strength and the balance, and he would be in awe of his son,” the Gladiator star added.
The Osar winner was a close friend of Steve’s and is part of many of Robert’s early memories of his father.
“I’m very grateful to have someone in my life who… he’s actually been there to, in a way, keep my father alive in my life,” Robert said at the 2025 AFI Fest. “He has so many stories about him and his father, and I feel like I get an even better sense of my father when I’m around Russell.”
“Russell and dad were just great friends, so it’s a different perspective than hearing about your mom,” Robert added. “It’s meaningful. He’s someone I look up to and has really inspired me.”
Robert has reached the finals week of Dancing with the stars.
