Robert Irwin on Steve Irwin’s memory and Russell Crowe’s role in his life

Robert Irwin says actor Russell Crowe has played a crucial role in keeping his late father’s memory alive.

Robert, 21, was just two years old when his dad, Steve Irwin, died after a stingray’s barb pierced his chest during filming in the Great Barrier Reef on September 4, 2006.

Speaking at an event in the US, alongside his mum, Terri Irwin, Robert said the famed actor has helped him understand his dad in a “really special way”.

“I have some very early memories, actually. Some of the earliest memories of me with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special,” Robert told People.

“I’m really grateful that I have someone in my life who ... he’s actually been there to, in a way, keep my dad alive in my 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’m around Russell.”

Robert says he has known Crowe “for as long as I’ve been alive”.

The young Aussie, who is currently competing in the US version of Dancing with the Stars (to rave reviews and high scores), said Crowe’s relationship with Steve offered a perspective different from mum Terri’s.

“Russell and dad were just great mates, so it’s a different perspective than when you’re hearing about your mum,” he told the outlet.

“It’s meaningful. He’s someone that I look up to and has truly inspired me.”

Robert has offered a deeply vulnerable insight into life without his father in recent weeks.

After a recent performance on Dancing with the Stars, he praised Terri for her strength as a person and mother.

“My mum exemplifies how to be strong. And I think so many people forget what strong means,” he told People.

“You think strong is like steadfast, you show up, you just carry on, and everything’s fine. That’s not what strength is.”

“True strength is being able to find and feel your own vulnerability, your own emotion, and use that to carry yourself and to hopefully try and help others and to create a community.

“My mum is just such a kind and vulnerable and strong and steadfast human being, and she teaches me every day what it is to put one foot in front of the other, even when it’s so hard to do that.”

Robert has thrilled audiences in the US (and around the world) since dancing into his latest venture.

Despite not yet securing a perfect score, Robert is the hot favourite to take out the competition. Whitney Leavitt, a popular influencer and actor, is a close second.