When Robert Irwin takes the Dancing With the Stars floor each week, he’s not just bracing for comments from Bruno Tonioli or Carrie Ann Inaba. He’s also got one VIP viewer and a family friend keeping tabs. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist revealed that none other than Oscar-winning Russell Crowe tunes in to watch him dance, and his feedback might just matter the most.
Robert Irwin receives feedback from Russell Crowe on Dancing With the Stars performances
At the premiere of Russell Crowe’s new film, Nuremberg, Robert shared that Crowe, a longtime family friend, offers him detailed critiques after every dance performance. He said he’s deeply appreciative of Crowe’s support, noting that instead of just offering general praise, the actor gives thoughtful, specific feedback, something Robert finds incredibly meaningful.
Robert told Access Hollywood, “I’m incredibly grateful for his support on this dancing journey.” “It’s actually been really cool because Russell will message after [each] performance… Instead of going, ‘this was a really great dance,’ he’ll really delve into the detail of, ‘Okay, these steps were great, love the lines, love the clarity in the storytelling.’ To really get that very in-depth feedback is amazing, and it means a lot.”
The Irwin family and Russell Crowe go way back. The Gladiator star was close with Steve Irwin long before Robert was even born, and that friendship never faded. As per Robert, he has known Crowe his whole life, and some of his earliest memories with his dad also include Crowe (via PEOPLE).
Robert’s mom, Terri Irwin, told Hello Magazine that Crowe really showed up for them after Steve passed away in 2006. Russell was Steve’s friend, but after he died, Russell “looked after us, took care of us, and helped me with advice about my kids.”
For Robert, Crowe’s ongoing mentorship has become an important part of his journey, especially since he is exploring something completely outside his comfort zone. He admitted that dancing isn’t his background, but it’s become a way for him to express his story and share positivity, something made even more meaningful by Crowe’s steady support.
Robert’s been using his time on Dancing With the Stars to keep his dad’s spirit alive. In the Season 34 premiere, he and partner Witney performed a fun, high-energy jive in safari outfits. This scored them some of the night’s top points.
Later, for “Dedication Night,” the couple gave a heartfelt tribute to Terri Irwin, Steve’s wife, who held the family together after Steve’s death.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on ComingSoon.
