Terri Irwin Spills On Russell Crowe’S Heartfelt Support For Her Family After Steve Irwin’S Tragic Loss

Hollywood Heart: Russell Crowe’s Unseen Role in the Irwin Family

Yo, LA fam, let’s talk about a true Hollywood hero with a heart of gold. At the glitzy 2025 AFI Fest premiere for Russell Crowe’s latest flick, Nuremberg, Terri Irwin dropped some heartfelt tea about how the Oscar-winning actor became her family’s guardian angel after the tragic loss of her husband, Steve Irwin, in 2006. Speaking with HELLO! on the red carpet, Terri shared that her bond with Russell goes back nearly three decades - talk about a friendship with serious SoCal summer energy!

It all started with Steve and Russell’s bromance in the ‘90s, but when Steve passed away, Russell stepped up in ways that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Terri revealed how he ‘took our family under his wing,’ offering support, care, and even dishing out parenting advice for her kids, Bindi and Robert. This ain’t just celebrity gossip - it’s the kind of loyalty you don’t often see off the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.

“Russell has been a lifeline, reminding me to stay strong and take it one step at a time when I felt like I couldn’t be both mom and dad,” Terri shared with emotion.

Family Ties and Shared Birthdays

Here’s a cute tidbit for y’all - Terri couldn’t help but giggle about the cosmic connection between their families. Both she and Russell are raising ‘July and December babies,’ with Terri’s daughter Bindi born in July 1998 and son Robert in December 2003, while Russell’s sons, Charles and Tennyson, share those same birth months (December 2003 and July 2006, respectively). It’s like the stars aligned for these families to vibe together!

Terri also got real about how Russell’s pep talks kept her grounded during the toughest times. When she doubted herself as a single parent, his words - ‘You’ll do it one step at a time’ - were the push she needed. That’s some serious Malibu-style mentorship right there, proving Russell’s not just a star on the big screen but in real life too.

Conservation Crusaders: Continuing Steve’s Legacy

For those not in the know, Terri’s not just a mom - she’s a powerhouse conservationist, running the iconic Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland, which Steve’s parents founded back in 1970. After Steve’s untimely death at 44 from a stingray injury while filming a documentary, Terri took the reins, keeping his legacy alive through shows like The Crocodile Hunter and Crikey! It’s the Irwins. It’s a spot that draws tourists from all over, kinda like our own Griffith Observatory but with crocs and koalas.

And guess who’s right there with her in the fight for wildlife? Russell Crowe himself! Terri spilled that Russell has turned into ‘a true conservationist,’ even protecting koala bears on his Australian property. That’s next-level commitment - we’re talking straight-up Cali eco-warrior vibes from this Hollywood titan.

Robert Irwin Steals the Spotlight on DWTS

Switching gears to some West Coast-worthy drama, Terri was all smiles on the AFI Fest carpet alongside her son Robert, who’s currently killin’ it on Dancing With The Stars. Fun fact: his sis Bindi tore up the dance floor back in 2015 and snagged the mirrorball trophy with Derek Hough. Now, Robert’s in week seven, often topping the leaderboard with moves that could rival any Venice Beach street performer.

Terri couldn’t be prouder, gushing, ‘Robert is working so hard, and he’s just doing wonderfully.’ During the recent Wicked-themed night, inspired by the Broadway hit, Robert and his partner Witney Carson brought the house down with a jazz routine packed with flips, jumps, and even a wild ‘worm’ move. Judges like Carrie Ann Inaba called it ‘stunning,’ while Bruno Tonioli dubbed it a ‘joyful, theatrical treat’ - sounds like Robert might be trading his zoo boots for Broadway soon!

A Mother’s Pride and a Family’s Strength

Terri, who hails from Oregon but found her soulmate in Steve during a 1991 trip to Australia, is living proof of resilience. Taking on the zoo and raising two incredible kids solo, she’s channeling that fierce Golden State spirit we know so well. And with Russell Crowe in her corner, it’s clear this family’s got a support system stronger than an LA freeway at rush hour.

Seeing Robert shine on national TV while Bindi continues to honor her dad’s memory, Terri feels like ‘a very blessed mother.’ And honestly, we’re feeling blessed just hearing this story of friendship, grit, and legacy. From the red carpets of Hollywood to the wilds of Australia Zoo, the Irwins - with a little help from their A-list pal - are showing us what family is all about.