Steve Irwin’s legacy is nothing short of iconic: a fearless champion of wildlife whose energy and devotion captivated the globe. As his son, Robert Irwin, faces the rare combination of privilege and responsibility, he continues a mission so beloved yet so demanding. With cameras, conservation projects, and public appearances, Robert Irwin balances education and preservation, striving to honor his father’s memory. Yet, even the most determined heirs benefit from guidance, and Robert Irwin has found valuable support in unexpected quarters, including Russell Crowe.

Russell Crowe has assisted Robert Irwin in navigating the challenges of carrying forward Steve Irwin’s legendary conservation efforts.

While supporting Russell Crowe at the 2025 AFI Fest for Nuremberg, Robert Irwin told PEOPLE that the actor has been instrumental in keeping the memory of his father, Steve Irwin, alive. “Some of the earliest memories of me with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special,” Irwin said, reflecting on their decades-long family connection.

He also revealed to PEOPLE that Crowe’s stories and insights have given him a richer understanding of his father’s life. “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 am around Russell,” Irwin said, showing how this friendship continues to shape his experience of Steve Irwin’s legacy.

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Robert Irwin's profound respect for Russell Crowe just puts a spotlight on the Oscar-winning actor's close bond to the family. 

Steve Irwin and Russell Crowe, both proud Australians, forged a friendship in the 1990s rooted in their shared love of wildlife and mutual admiration. The details of their first meeting remain private, but their bond strengthened over time through shared values and conservation efforts. Crowe, like Irwin, is a dedicated advocate for wildlife, and the two often discussed Australia’s natural environment and the importance of protecting it, forming a connection that extended to the Irwin family.

Following Steve Irwin’s death in 2006, Russell Crowe, the actor whose $200,000,000 action-adventure is streaming on Netflix, continued to support the Irwin family, offering guidance and remaining a loyal presence. Crowe provided comfort to Terri Irwin and served as a mentor figure to their children, Bindi and Robert Irwin. Robert Irwin has said that Crowe’s personal stories of his father have helped him understand Steve Irwin’s legacy more deeply, highlighting the actor’s lasting impact on the family and their conservation mission.

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What do you think of the adorable bond of the Irwin family and Russell Crowe? Let us know in the comments!