‘Life is so fleeting’: Robert Irwin explains how losing his dad at age two has shaped his perspective on life
The world has seen a different side of Robert Irwin since he slipped on his dancing shoes and hit the stage for Dancing With The Stars.
The 21-year-old son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin had zero dance experience before joining Season 34 of the hit series, and proved he’s a force to be reckoned with as he landed a spot in the finale.
But while his moves have impressed, the emotional side that he’s shown has been something fans have fallen in love with, something he is proud to have embraced.
The world has seen a new side of Robert Irwin, one he is wholeheartedly embracing. (GC Images)
“I strongly believe that life is too short not to wear your heart on your sleeve,” he said in an interview with The New York Times.
“When you lose someone important early on, it reaffirms the fact that life is so fleeting. You owe it to yourself to find your passion and to pursue it.”
Steve died when Robert was just two, after being fatally stung by a stingray in 2006.
Despite the pair only having such a short time together, the legacy he left behind, hours and hours of footage and of course their similar looks and vibrant personalities, have left Robert feeling like he still has a strong connection to his dad.
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Steve Irwin died when Robert was just two, after being fatally stung by a stingray. (Getty)Robert dedicated a dance to his mum, Terri, and was overcome with emotions at the end. (Instagram/@dancingwiththestars)
Throughout the season of DWTS, Robert has had several moments where he’s shown off his vulnerable side, breaking down in tears while dancing with his mum Terri, and another moment where he collapsed on the floor after photos of Steve were projected on the floor.
Sensitivity is something he saw in his dad, which is why he’s not shy about embracing it now.
“He was about as traditionally masculine as you can get, and then, at the same time, he was the most vulnerable, emotional, family-oriented, kind human being,” he said.
“That, to me, is the epitome.”
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Robert feels like he’s been able to get to know his dad through his life thanks to hours of footage of him doing what he loved. (Instagram/@robertirwinphotography)
But there is one thing Robert, who is currently single, isn’t too confident with – relationships and the spotlight.
“Holy moly, that’s so challenging to navigate,” he said of trying to date in an era where “anything you do will be on TikTok the next day.”
The young conservationist, who is due to celebrate his 22nd birthday next month, has always been quite private when it comes to his love life.
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