As Australia prepares for the 20th anniversary of beloved wildlife advocate Steve Irwin’s death, his son Robert has shared how his father’s legacy lives on through him.
The late Crocodile Hunter is one of Australia’s most famous icons, with his screen work and environmental work making him adored across the country.
The 44-year-old tragically died on 4 September 2006 after he was pierced by a stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef.
Nearly two decades since his father’s sudden passing shocked the nation, his son Robert has cemented himself as one of the most recognisable faces in modern wildlife conservation.
The 22-year-old not only continues to share his father’s love of the environment, but he has become regarded as one of Australia’s most notable pop culture figures due to his frequent appearances in TV and movies.
The young Irwin, who won the US version of Dancing with the Stars in November, is set to make history on Sunday as the youngest Logies host in the Australian award show’s 68-year history.
Ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, Robert Irwin has spoken about growing up without his father, and how losing a parent so young shaped his legacy.
“It’s an interesting and strange thing to be talking about legacy at 22, but I look at my dad and he packed a lot in,” the star told Stellar.
“He lived at this level that was 100 per cent. He only got 44 years to live, like, 10 lifetimes, really — what an incredible example for me to follow.
“Time is fleeting. I don’t know if I’ve got 20 years, 80 years. No-one knows. So you might as well just do it all, and do it now, and have fun.”
The 22-year-old conservationist then revealed no matter where his newfound stardom takes him, his heart lies exactly where his dad’s did: at the zoo their family founded in 1991.
“Wherever I go, all roads lead to Australia Zoo, they all lead back home — that’s where it all stems from, truly,” he said.
“This legacy that Dad created, it’s crazy to say, but I think it’s just getting started.”
It’s not just Robert continuing to share his father’s environmentalist message — with the star saying his family are also continuing his work.
“He’s not here to spread those messages, but now it’s my turn [and] my sister, my little niece, Grace, she’s coming up quick,” he said.
It’s the next generation’s turn to keep that going, and that’s a real privilege.”
The 2026 Logie Awards will air live at 5pm on Sunday on Seven and 7plus.
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