Robert Irwin is the new face of positive masculinity.
As a “boy mum”, I would have to say: Robert Irwin is the kind of man we want our boys to grow up to be.
As a mum of three boys, I often think about the kind of men my boys will grow up to be, especially in a world where the loudest male voices aren’t always the best examples. Don’t get me wrong, their dad and grandfathers are wonderful men who’ll shape their character in all the right ways. But they’re not the ones boys their age are idolising or talking about.
In a world where toxic masculinity often drowns out decency, finding male role models who embody kindness, empathy, and integrity can feel like searching for a rare species.
Enter stage left, Robert Irwin, a breath of positive-masculinity-fresh-air.
At just 21, Robert has become the poster boy for positive masculinity, showing that strength and sensitivity not only can but should coexist. While some men still push a version of masculinity built on dominance and ego, Robert is quietly rewriting the script, showing what being a real man in 2025 looks like.
This season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has an even larger Aussie viewership thanks to our very own Robert Irwin competing for the mirror ball trophy. If you haven’t seen his moves yet, you need to, and while objectifying is wrong at my age, I can’t help it if he removes his shirt mid-salsa.
MORE: Robert’s sad fortune left by Steve Irwin
And his turn on Dancing With The Stars has only cemented that. Watching him each week, there’s something genuinely endearing about how he approaches the competition with humility, humour, and heart. He celebrates his partner, laughs at himself, and brings joy to the dance floor without ever taking himself too seriously. It’s the kind of energy you want your sons to absorb.
And I’m not the only one. Fans from home and abroad have been singing Robert’s praises as he advances each week.
“Robert just makes me smile. What a fabulous young man. Grace, compassion, big heart. His Dad would be so proud,” one of the many fans commented on his performance with partner, Whitney Carson.
“The first DWTS season I have ever cared about. Saw every episode of the Crocodile Hunter and constantly amazed that wonderful man’s son has himself given us such fabulous, wholesome entertainment,” another gushed.
One viewer summed it up perfectly on social media, writing: “He is the most positive, humble human. Full of joy, and his presence just makes you smile! No matter what the scores, he is always appreciative and supports his fellow competitors. How can you not love this guy?!! Thank you, @dancingwiththestars, for bringing this positive energy of a human to the show!”
But Robert’s influence runs far deeper than a TV show. Steve Irwin passed away almost 20 years ago, and Robert was only three when he lost his dad, yet he’s carried that legacy with remarkable grace.
Like Steve, he radiates purpose, passion, and humility through his commitment to wildlife conservation. And beyond that, it’s his devotion to family, his close bond with his mum Terri and sister Bindi, that truly shows what kind of man he’s become: down-to-earth, kind, and an all-round good guy.
In a time when young men are bombarded with online voices telling them to suppress emotion or chase status, Robert Irwin stands as a quiet revolution. He shows that empathy is power. That caring isn’t a weakness. That you can love your mum, dance your heart out, protect animals, and still be a “man.”
While my boys are still too young to be influenced by Robert Irwin, I hope the older boys see him in that light. His influence could be the north star of masculinity, guiding a generation towards a more positive and inclusive definition of manhood.
And to Robert Irwin, I say, “Keep dancing through life.”
