Celebrities
Robert Irwin Posts 21st Birthday Tribute to Dad Steve Irwin—And the Resemblance Is Uncanny
Robert Irwin, son of “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, was choked up this past weekend after seeing the Madame Tussauds wax figure of his late father. In a video of his initial reaction, Robert gets teary-eyed seeing the figure for the first time in real life.
“That is amazing. It’s the first time in a long time that he’s not just a picture,” Robert says as tears begin to form. See the sweet video below:
@news.com.au Someone give that man a hug 😭😭 Robert Irwin was seen getting emotional after seeing the Madame Tussauds wax figure of his dad Steve Irwin #robertirwin #steveirwin #celebrity #entertainment #australia #australia🇦🇺
Steve Irwin was best known as an Australian zookeeper, as well as a television personality, conservationist, wildlife educator and environmentalist. Following in his father’s footsteps, 21-year-old Robert Irwin is also a zookeeper, as well as a conservationist, television personality and wildlife photographer.
His father, who rose to fame on the documentary series The Crocodile Hunter, was tragically killed by a stingray injury in 2006 while filming in the Great Barrier Reef when Robert wasn’t even three years old. Sting injuries from stingrays are often not fatal, with only one or two reported fatal attacks each year worldwide.
Robert Irwin reacts to Steve Irwin’s Madame Tussauds wax figure
Although he was rather emotional in the moment, Robert had time to reflect on his feelings seeing the wax figure in real life for the first time.
“It was the first time I’d ever gotten to see my dad’s wax figure. I’d seen pictures of it, but I’d never seen it in real life,” Robert said. “I was overcome with emotion. And I didn’t think that was gonna happen, but I was actually quite emotional seeing it. Dad, for the last 17 years of my life, has been pictures and video, and to actually see him kind of just standing there, it was a lot. It was actually a lot to take in.”
Robert continued, “It was very emotional. But you know what? My life’s about continuing his legacy, so the fact that I get to be there with him now means a lot. I’m truly so grateful.”
Alongside his father’s wax figure was one of Robert himself, whose wax figure is new to Madame Tussauds in Sydney, Australia.
Robert Irwin pays tribute to his late father on his 21st birthday
Robert recently turned 21 on December 1, but rather than posting his own birthday photos, he took the time to share photos of his father on his 21st birthday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDBMJT1BPRE/?img_index=1
“Today I turn 21,” Robert wrote on Instagram. “I was looking through the archives a few days ago and I found these pictures of my dad on his 21st. It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life.”
Robert has made it his mission to honor his father’s memory and legacy as the Australian conservationist, wildlife educator and great father he was. Steve Irwin was not only an advocate for wildlife but for people as well. Robert recalled some advice his father always used to give.
“My dad [Steve Irwin] always used to say, ‘You need to treat every living being the way you wish to be treated.’” Robert shared. “For him, that meant not only people but animals. Try to stand up for those who don’t have a voice, whether that is wildlife or human beings… Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.”
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