Steve Irwin’s son has a ‘heartbreaking’ 21st birthday and says he will ‘never be complete’ without his famous father

It’s been 18 years since Steve Irwin tragically died, and his son Robert Irwin still feels the eternal pain.

Ahead of celebrating his 21st birthday on November 30, Robert spoke to Australian publication Stellar about the “heartbreaking” milestone, the challenges he faces coping with life without a father, and how his new TV appearance makes a subtle nod on his father.

“It can be heartbreaking. I can’t beat around the bush,” he told Stellar (via news.com.au). “It’s really hard, especially when it comes to these milestones. Without a father figure, it’s difficult to navigate. But I really have to commend my entire family and especially my mother for how they made this happen – although that will always be the case. Be a part of myself that is missing and I will never be complete – I never had that Feeling like you missed something.

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“I hope he knows somewhere that I’m trying to make him proud.”

On November 30, Robert paid tribute to his father on his 21st birthday.

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“Today I turn 21. I was going through the archives a few days ago and found these pictures of my dad on his 21st birthday party,” he wrote on Instagram. “It can be difficult to celebrate the milestones when someone is missing, but I will carry their memory and passion with me in this new phase of life. I am a happy guy surrounded by my amazing family today. Time to celebrate!”

“Dad is so proud of you,” commented older sister Bindi Irwin.

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Steve – known as “The Crocodile Hunter” – died in 2006 after being stung by a stingray while filming the documentary series “Ocean’s Deadliest” in the Great Barrier Reef. At the time of his death, Robert was two years old and Bindi was eight. He and his wife Terri were married for 14 years before his death.

Since his father’s death, Robert has continued Steve’s legacy in many different ways.

“What my father really instilled in me – because I was very young when he died, but he was there for most of my early years – was that he was so passionate about me and my life all the time Sister being there.” He told People magazine in 2022. “He was the most devoted father. I think that his passion and this absolute joy of life are simply my foundation. I like to say it’s a factory setting for me.”

That same year, Robert published his book Robert Irwin’s Australia, an ode to his father, who loved photography.

“My father was a very, very passionate photographer,” Robert told People at the time. “It kind of runs in the family. He was just as excited behind the lens as he was in front of it. And it was just always there and part of my life.”

Robert began working on the book years before publication, but the idea “was always kind of simmering in the background.”

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“I thought, ‘You know what? I want to do justice to that and create something that really celebrates my own way of carrying on my father’s legacy,'” he said.

A year earlier, Robert and Bindi honored their late father on Steve Irwin Day.

“I think a lot today about my father and the impact he had on our planet and inspired an entire generation,” Robert wrote a look back at yourselfBindi and her father. “I also think about what a really great father he was. Through a life captured on camera and through stories from my family and those who knew him best, I can remember the special times with my father.”

“I still look up to him every day and although I miss him so much, it means a lot to me and my family that we can have a day every year for the world to celebrate what he stood for,” added the nature photographer added.

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While Robert has since starred in various television shows throughout his career, including Crikey! “It’s the Irwins,” he’s planning his next big step these days.

In October 2023, it was announced that Irwin Dr. would replace Chris Brown as co-host of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! alongside returning presenter Julia Morris. The 10th season of the series premiered this year.

“It’s live television and it’s the biggest adrenaline rush ever,” Robert told Stellar. “This is what I love.”

Since his live TV debut and his new photo shoot with Stellar, fans have been quick to point out a striking resemblance between him and Prince Harry.

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“Robert Irwin is this generation’s Prince Harry and I don’t feel like I need to elaborate at all,” wrote one X user (formerly of Twitter).

“Robert Irwin is the Prince Harry of Generation Z,” wrote another.

With a new look and a new career path, Robert said he is excited about the future and hopes he can make his father proud along the way.

“Life is about pushing yourself and having fun… I learned a lot,” he told Stellar. “I always wanted to carry on the legacy – that’s obviously very important to me – my father’s legacy, my family’s legacy. But I want to do it my own way.”

“At the end of the day, my heart still beats Khaki. But the opportunity to try something different every now and then means the world to me,” he added.

Original source of the article: Steve Irwin’s son has a ‘heartbreaking’ 21st birthday and says he will ‘never be complete’ without his famous father