Robert Irwin Gets Weekly Critique from Russell Crowe on Dancing With the Stars

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 In a surprising crossover of worlds, wildlife crusader Robert Irwin revealed that his longtime family friend Russell Crowe isn’t just cheering him on—he’s actively critiquing his every move on Dancing With the Stars. Think of it like when a Nigerian filmmaker asks a veteran actor to preview a screenplay week-by-week; the feedback is personal, direct, and priceless.

Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old Australian conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, may be dancing for the cameras on Dancing With the Stars, but he’s definitely not going it alone. In a recent interview on the red carpet, Robert revealed that acclaimed actor Russell Crowe has been messaging him after each live performance with “in-depth feedback”. 

He explained, “I’m incredibly grateful for his support on this dancing journey. It’s actually been really cool because Russell will message after [each] performance… ‘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 origin of this mentoring-style friendship goes way back. Robert shared that Crowe and his father Steve were friends for years, and after Steve’s passing in 2006, Crowe “really took our family under his wing” and helped his mother Terri with advice about the kids. 

For Robert, the connection holds deep meaning. More than just a dance-show gimmick, his participation in DWTS represents carrying on his father’s legacy of enthusiasm, passion and storytelling—this time via tango and jive rather than crocodiles and conservation. Crowe’s weekly messages reinforce that mission.

Robert’s DWTS journey has already included standout moments: for the season 34 premiere he and pro partner Witney Carson donned safari-inspired costumes and danced the jive to the sounds of howler monkeys. And during “Dedication Night” in week 5, he delivered an emotional tribute performance to his mother Terri surrounding his father’s memory. 

In the Nigerian entertainment industry, similar mentorship vibes pop up—when a veteran filmmaker sits down with a rising star each week, dissects their performance and keeps them accountable. What Robert is describing is that kind of relationship: not just cheerleading, but honest critique. And to have Russell Crowe in that role? That’s a rare kind of support.

Ultimately, Robert says this isn’t just about winning a mirror ball trophy—it’s about using dance as a platform to spread positivity, passion and the values he learned from his father. “What I’m doing — I’m not a dancer, I’m trying to tell my story through dance,” he shared. “And Russell being there to support that means a lot.” 

Conclusion

Robert Irwin’s DWTS journey is more than dance steps and scores—it's a heartfelt tie to family, legacy and mentorship. With Russell Crowe’s weekly feedback guiding him, he’s not just performing; he’s crafting a story. Whether you’re a fan of wildlife, reality TV or the power of meaningful alliances, this one stands out. And for Nigerian viewers seeing stars uplift each other, well, this kind of genuine support is always worth smiling about.