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Robert Irwin knows his father, Steve Irwin, is watching him with a smile.
Robert shut out the episode on Tuesday night and danced to Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild” along with his professional partner, Witney Carson.
Prior to his performance, Robert was wearing one of his father’s shirts, who died all day long. When it was Showtime, he paid special tribute to Steve by lifting both fists up, one of his father’s trademark poses.
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Dance has proven to be a night’s favorite. Robert and Whitney finished at the top of the leaderboard, winning 15/20, tied first place with the secret life of Mormon’s wife Star Whitney Leavitt and partner Mark Baras.
As the season continues, Robert said he wants to continue honouring the family’s legacy.
Visiting Hollywood in an interview published Friday, September 19, Robert said his late father was “excited” for the opportunity he was offered.
“He’s kind of person and he’s never held back,” Robert said. “He was passionate and enthusiastic about everything he did. And he loved life when he was just living on the edge and giving 100. That’s the experience.”
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“I have the honor of continuing his legacy and my family’s legacy. And while I didn’t think I could do that by dancing, here we are, and I am very grateful for it,” he continued.
As fans remember, Robert’s sister, Bindi won the Length Man Mirror Ball Trophy in Season 21 in 2015.
Robert told people during his recent cover shoot that he was at a time when he wanted to “fork and try as many new things as possible,” but Bindi was also a big reason for his show.
“I wanted to do this because I was inspired by my sister Bindi, who won Dance with the Stars 10 years ago,” he said. “I remember coming to all the live taping to see her and thinking, ‘I’ll have to do this one day.’ ”
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Just like when his sister competed in the show, Robert vows to continue living by guiding the legacy of his late father throughout his life.
“I want to keep his legacy alive and maintain his spirit, a sense of love for life,” he said. “And if I could bring that kind of energy into the ballroom and honor him and his legacy, I did my job, and that’s what we’re trying to do is to be proud of him.”
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Dancing with the Stars will air on Tuesday at 8pm ET and on PT on ABC and will be aired simultaneously on Disney+. The show will be streamed on Hulu the next day.
