Robert Irwin has shared how long-time family friend Russell Crowe has played a key role in keeping the memory of his late father, Steve Irwin, alive.
The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist – currently captivating audiences on Dancing with the Stars – attended the 2025 AFI Fest premiere of Crowe’s latest film, Nuremberg. Speaking to PEOPLE at the event, Irwin reflected on the actor’s impact on his family.
Robert, who has known Crowe his entire life, described the 61-year-old Gladiator star as a close friend of both his mother, Terri, and his late father.
“Some of the earliest memories of me with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special,” he said.
“He has so many stories to share of him and dad, and I feel like I build an even better picture of my dad when I’m around Russell,” Robert explained.
“Russell and dad were just great mates, so it’s a different perspective than when you’re hearing about your mum.”
By sharing those stories, Robert said Crowe has helped keep his father’s spirit alive.
“He’s really helped keep dad alive in my life,” he said, adding that he looks up to and is inspired by the Oscar-winning actor.
Crowe and Terri Irwin’s close friendship has long sparked speculation about a possible romance, but both have consistently denied the rumours.
Terri previously told The Courier Mail that she has often been linked to various men, joking, “I have kept track because it’s kind of funny … Let’s see, apparently it’s all the Hogans – that’s Paul and Hulk; Russell Crowe, and most recently, it’s Richard Wilkins.”
She added, “I think the most flattering would be Russell because he is such a good person, and a very good friend to our family, and I actually do really love him because he loved Steve and they were such good friends.”
Terri went on to share that when Steve died, Crowe was the first person to reach out.
“When Steve died, he was the first person to call and send his condolences,” she told the paper.
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