Robert Irwin fights back tears as he remembers late father Steve in his most emotional interview yet

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Robert Irwin fought back tears this week in an emotional interview with Anderson Cooper.

Twenty-one-year-old Robert Irwin, known as the Wildlife Warrior, discussed how he copes with grief after the loss of his father, Steve Irwin, during an interview on the ‘All There Is’ podcast.

In 2006, Steve Irwin, known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter,’ tragically died at the age of 44 while filming a wildlife documentary off the coast of Queensland, Australia. He was fatally injured by a stingray barb to the chest.

Throughout the long interview, Robert got noticeably upset when Anderson inquired about his relationship with his father and whether they still spoke.

‘Yeah, there are… there are moments where…’ Robert began before choking up.

Anderson replied: ‘If it’s too personal, it’s fine.’

Pushing on, Robert revealed that he feels closest to his father when he is by himself in nature.    

He explained that he feels most connected to his father when they’re both far from everything, out in the wilderness.

Sometimes I’m overcome with a really warm, comforting feeling – like being wrapped in a gentle embrace.

He then revealed the heartbreaking question that he asks Steve in those private moments.

I’ll definitely find myself just thinking out loud, wondering how to move ahead and what steps to take next.

Robert explained that although he often thinks about his father, he finds the most emotional release when he’s by himself.

He explained that with his dad always being such a presence in his life and a frequent topic of conversation, one of the most relaxing things he can do is simply sit quietly in nature and clear his head.

I just needed to express everything I was feeling, and it’s like I’m starting to open up to him. I often find myself wondering what happens next, how to keep going, but there aren’t any easy answers. Still, going through that process almost brings a sense of peace.

Robert acknowledged his father was still very present in his life, but he missed him just as much as ever.

He said that having memories of his father – seeing him in photos and videos – was a source of comfort during his childhood.

Walking around Australia Zoo, the place he created… it’s like he’s right there with me, I can feel him so strongly. But then it hits me, and the sadness of him not being here is just as powerful. It’s a really bittersweet feeling, being in the world he built.

Robert grew emotional sharing that his greatest fear remains losing the memory of what his father was like as a person. He also credited his mother, Terri, with being essential in preserving Steve’s legacy.

You know, as I’ve thought about life and what truly matters, one fear has always stayed with me – the fear of losing the memory of a loved one. It’s something that’s haunted me since childhood, and honestly, it still does. The thought of forgetting their touch, their presence, how they felt… that’s a really powerful fear for me.

Honestly, for a long time, worrying about him was incredibly stressful and kept me awake at night. But I truly believe my mum is the reason I’ve been able to hold onto such a vivid and positive memory of who he was. She’s the one who helped me keep his spirit alive in my life, and I’m so grateful for that.

It comes after Robert became emotional while chatting about his late father in June last year.  

Twenty-one-year-old Robert Irwin heard a clip of his father, Steve, discussing his hopes for Robert and his sister, Bindi, 26, during an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show.

Steve’s voice wavered with emotion as he shared that watching Robert and Bindi continue his wildlife conservation work would be the moment he felt most proud.

Visibly moved by his father’s words, Robert admitted that his dad would always be his ‘superhero’.

He admitted it was a very emotional moment, explaining, ‘He’s always been my hero, and he always will be.’ He added that his father was a hero to many people his age.

Steve Irwin passed away on September 4, 2006, after being stung by a stingray while filming in the Great Barrier Reef alongside Philippe Cousteau Jr. A barb from the stingray pierced his chest.

A private funeral for Steve was held on September 9th, and he was buried at Australia Zoo later that day in a private ceremony.

A memorial service open to the public took place at the Australia Zoo’s 5,500-seat Crocoseum on September 30th. It was broadcast live and watched by an estimated 300 million people worldwide.

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2026-03-12 08:36