The 21-year-old Dancing with the Stars contestant attended the 2025 AFI Fest premiere of Russell’s latest movie Nuremberg on Friday (October 24), showing his support alongside his mom, Terri Irwin.
For those unaware, the Oscar-winning actor is a close family friend of the Irwins, particularly the late Steve Irwin.
“I’ve known him for as long as I’ve been alive,” Robert told People. “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.”
“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 added that Steve and the Gladiator star were such “great mates” that it has given him a “different perspective” on his father beyond what he’s heard from his mom
“It’s meaningful. He’s someone that I look up to and who has truly inspired me,” Robert shared.