Robert Irwin has revealed that his old family friend, Russell CroweHe helped keep the memory of his late father Steve Irwin alive.

The 21-year-old who is currently captivating viewers dancing with the stars attended the AFI Fest 2025 premiere of the 61-year-old actor’s latest film.

While supporting the Crowe family’s old friend, Nurembergin it AFI Festival 2025Robert, told PEOPLE what Russell did.

Robert has known Crowe all his life, with gladiator Star is a friend of his mother and his late father.

“Some of the first memories I had with my dad were also with Russell, which is really special,” he said.

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“He has so many stories to share about him and his dad, and I feel like I can build an even better image of my dad when I’m around Russell,” she explained, “Russell and dad were just great friends, so it’s a different perspective than when you hear about your mom.”

By doing this, Crowe has helped keep Steve “alive in my life,” Robert says, adding that he admires and is inspired by the gladiator star.

Crowe and Terri’s close friendship has sparked countless rumors over the years that they are in a relationship, but both have vehemently denied them.

Terri previously told the courier mail that she has been linked to many men, but “I kept track because it’s kind of fun… Let’s see, apparently it’s all the Hogans, it’s Paul and Hulk; Russell Crowe and, more recently, Richard Wilkins.”

She continued, “I think the most excited would be Russell because he’s a good person and a very good friend of our family, and I really love him because he loved Steve and they were very good friends.”

Terri went on to tell the newspaper that when Steve died, he was the first person to call her and send his condolences.

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“It meant a lot and I feel sorry for him now because he will always be linked to me so it could hinder his style – the same goes for Richard Wilkins.”

In 2017, Crowe, 55, spoke with Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek about KIIS FM and gushed about the wildlife conservationist while steadfastly denying that he and Terri had ever had a relationship.

“Terri is one of the most wonderful women I’ve ever met in my life without it implying intimacy or anything like that,” he told the radio hosts.

“You know I love Terri Irwin, I love her kids and I love how she kept Steve’s memory alive and respected the work that the two of them had and she’s an absolute champion, but we’re not in a relationship,” he added.