🥹 “He Would Have Been In Awe”: Russell Crowe’s Emotional Tribute to Robert Irwin on DWTS

Actor Russell Crowe has broken hearts across the world with a deeply emotional and candid revelation about what his late friend, the legendary Steve Irwin, would think watching his son, Robert Irwin, conquer the ballroom floor under the bright lights of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS).

Crowe, a longtime family friend who has remained close to the Irwins since Steve’s tragic passing in 2006, painted a picture of a father who was a genius in the wild but was, perhaps, less gifted in the world of musical rhythm.

The Father Who Never Mastered Rhythm

Speaking to The New York Times, Crowe first offered a piece of affectionate humor, drawing a clear distinction between father and son:

“Although Steve could read the rhythms of the seasons and every living creature, he was absolutely not gifted with a sense of musical rhythm,” Crowe joked. “In his hands, a tambourine became a deadly weapon.”

But the lightheartedness quickly gave way to a powerful emotional truth. Crowe revealed that Steve would be utterly overwhelmed with pride watching Robert’s transformation:

“I think he would watch Robert dancing and how he uses his body, the strength and poise, and he would be in awe of his son.”

For Robert Irwin, who has been open about carrying his father’s legacy in every step he takes, the words were more than a compliment—they were a powerful bridge back to the dad he lost far too soon, a reminder that love and legacy don’t end. Robert himself has stated that he practices every routine wearing one of his father’s old shirts, which he says feels like “a big hug.”

The Bond That Left Fans in Tears

What Russell Crowe shared next about his own bond with the family left fans across social media in tears. The actor revealed that he has been carefully tracking Robert’s journey through DWTS, even sending him “in-depth feedback” after each episode.

Robert has previously spoken about Crowe’s crucial role in his life, explaining that the Oscar winner helps keep his father’s memory alive:

“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. “He’s actually been there to, in a way, keep my dad alive in my life… He’s someone that I look up to and has truly inspired me.”

Crowe’s consistent support confirms that the relationship is one of true, enduring family, ensuring that Robert has an important link to the man who would have been in awe of his son’s extraordinary success.