The Transformation of Robert Irwin, Winner of 'DWTS' Season 34

From following in his legendary dad's footsteps and making headlines for his romantic conquests to showing off his dancing prowess, Robert Irwin never ceases to capture public attention.

He was born into the spotlight, cradled by crocodiles and tragedy. But no one could have predicted this rise. Famous Australian conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin, 21, may be widely known for his love and dedication to wildlife, but protecting animals and wrangling crocodiles aren't the only fascinating details about him.

Born to iconic late father Steve Irwin and fellow conservationist Terri Irwin, Robert is brimming with star quality. Having recently become the recipient of the coveted "Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") Mirror Ball Trophy on Season 34, the young A-lister adds another notch to his storied life.

Apart from his career successes, Robert has also had quite an eventful love life, having been tied to famous women such as the niece of the late iconic actor Heath Ledger, Rorie Buckey, and, reportedly, actress Emmy Perry. However, according to a recent People interview, Robert is still searching for the one.

From starting out as an adorable baby and tiny tot surrounded by his loving family to capturing hearts with his handsome features, fit physique, talent, and charm, let's take a look at Robert's striking transformation in the 30-plus photos below!

Wild Beginnings in an Untamed Wonderland: Robert Irwin's Early Years

Long before dazzling judges on the dance floor or gracing the covers of glossy magazines, Robert was a boy growing up in a place that felt more like a dream than a backyard — the sprawling, animal-filled wonderland of Australia Zoo.

Nestled in Queensland, this 700-acre sanctuary is more than just home; it is a living legacy built by his grandparents, nurtured by Steve, and now shared with his mother, Terri, and sister, Bindi Irwin.

From the moment he could walk, Robert was surrounded by exotic creatures and the natural world — his childhood marked not by city sidewalks, but by tree climbing, crocodile feedings, and the calls of lemurs and tigers echoing in the morning light.

Despite losing his father at the tender age of two, Robert never felt far from the man whose passion for wildlife captivated the globe. Through thousands of hours of archived footage — from "The Crocodile Hunter" to behind-the-scenes zoo clips — Steve remains a daily presence.

Over breakfast, the family would watch his shows like cherished home videos. In many ways, Robert was still learning from his dad: studying his gestures, absorbing his fearless energy, and, remarkably, even learning how to feed crocodiles under his virtual tutelage.

"He is still teaching me every day," Robert once reflected, describing the indelible impact of a man he continues to mirror in both looks and spirit.

But Robert has always been more than a reflection — he is a bright light in his own right, often described as "living sunshine" by those who know him best.

His boundless energy, infectious grin, and wide-eyed enthusiasm for life have become trademarks, winning over everyone from zoo guests to global audiences.

At photoshoots, he can barely suppress his signature toothy smile. In interviews, he greets questions with thoughtful passion and openness. It's not an act.

According to Australia Zoo's general manager, Luke Reavley, who's known Robert since his toddler days, "On and off camera, he's like that 24/7."

That joyful authenticity, however, doesn't come without vulnerability. In an age where celebrity coolness often translates to aloofness, Robert flips the script. He wears his heart on his sleeve, unabashedly emotional and deeply compassionate — traits he attributes to both his own values and his father's example.

He's publicly spoken about the importance of kindness, emotional openness, and supporting causes close to his heart, including women's health and the LGBTQ+ community.

"I strongly believe that life is too short not to wear your heart on your sleeve," he once shared, a sentiment rooted in the painful awareness that life can change in an instant.

Despite his status as a household name — one who was filmed from the moment he entered the world and famously cradled by his father during a crocodile feeding incident at just a few weeks old — Robert has managed to stay remarkably grounded. He claims there's no distinction between his public and private self.

"I never change what I say, what I do, who I am one bit, wherever I am. It's just me, and I stand by who I am," he said in a previous interview.

Still, navigating fame hasn't always been easy, especially in the social media age, where "anything you do will be on TikTok the next day," as he once put it. But instead of hiding behind a curated persona, he's leaned into authenticity, carefully drawing the line between what he shares and what he keeps sacred.

From playing with a Game Boy as a free-range kid in the zoo to surfing the Pacific waves at dawn and finding solace in nature's quiet embrace, Robert's early years shaped him not just into a conservationist but into a young man of purpose.

"That is my meditation. It's my church. It's my everything," he stated of the natural world — a reflection of his spiritual side, his reverence for life, and the roots he continues to honor even as his path branches outward.

A Rom-Com Worthy Love Life

As Robert blossomed from a free-spirited wildlife kid into a self-assured young man, curiosity about his romantic life naturally followed. Though he remains private in many ways, Robert has allowed the public occasional glimpses — and fans have followed along with admiration and intrigue.

His most high-profile relationship was with Rorie, an Australian influencer. First spotted together in late 2022, the pair made their red carpet debut at the "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One" premiere in July 2023, dressed in coordinating black outfits and radiating young Hollywood charm.

Over time, they appeared more frequently on each other's social media, even earning the affectionate stamp of approval from Robert's sister, Bindi, who once called Rorie "my brother's gorgeous girlfriend."

Despite their strong public presence, the couple confirmed their split in February 2024 after nearly two years together. In a joint statement, they shared their decision to part ways while expressing gratitude and mutual respect. The breakup, handled with the same grace Robert often brings to the spotlight, marked a quiet end to a chapter that many fans had rooted for.

Before and during his time with Rorie, Robert was also linked to actress and gaming heiress Emmy. The two met at a Steve Irwin Gala Dinner in 2019 and were later seen together at Disneyland, Australia Zoo, and various red carpet events.

Emmy's appearance at the 2023 Gala — where she posed warmly with Robert and the rest of the Irwin family — reignited long-standing speculation. Though neither ever confirmed a romance, rumors of a romantic relationship surfaced in 2022, and their bond has remained a topic of public curiosity.

Robert Irwin Seeks a Love Story like That of His Parents

Though he's often been linked to beautiful and accomplished women, Robert is the first to admit he's still waiting for something truly lasting — and, perhaps, a bit serendipitous. In a candid September 2025 interview with People, he opened up about his single status with his trademark charm and good humor, revealing that love may just come calling from across the globe.

"My mom and dad met when she was this American [sic] tourist coming over to Australia, and that's also how my sister met her husband," Robert shared. "I've been saying, when is that going to happen for me?!"

It's a fair question, especially considering his recent surge in popularity — particularly among international fans. After posing for a cheeky Bonds Australia underwear ad earlier this year, Robert joked that the number of American visitors to the Australia Zoo suddenly spiked.

"Oh yeah, it was very funny… it ended up creating, well [sic] let's just say the visitation at the zoo was really good and it was a lot of Americans," he divulged, clearly amused by the unexpected attention. "It was great." Still, despite the increased foot traffic and fanfare, Robert says his American tourist hasn't quite appeared — yet.

But what he's really holding out for isn't a viral moment or fleeting romance. Instead, he's searching for something real — something modeled after the kind of love story he grew up witnessing between his parents, Steve and Terri.

"She is just the most brave, steadfast, determined human being I've ever met," Robert declared of his mother, calling her his hero.

After losing Steve so suddenly in 2006, Terri not only held their family together but continued his legacy with strength and compassion — qualities Robert says he admires deeply.

"To me, she is just the epitome of a great leader, a great mother [...] because she had this life she created with dad and just had the rug pulled out from under her, but she was able to move forward with such grace," he asserted.

It's that kind of enduring partnership — rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and unconditional love — that Robert aspires to. "I look at my mom, I look at my dad and [sic] I'm like, that's it. That's who I want to be. That's a perfect relationship," he disclosed.

From Wildlife Warrior to Runway Heartthrob

While Robert may still be waiting for his real-life love story to unfold, his professional life has been anything but stagnant. In fact, he's been boldly stepping into new arenas — quite literally — and turning heads in places far beyond the animal kingdom.

In March 2024, he made an unexpected splash at the Melbourne Fashion Festival, trading his signature khakis for designer menswear as he strutted down the catwalk at the Suit Up Runway show.

It was his official runway debut, and the transformation was nothing short of striking. From a polished navy ensemble to a sharp preppy look complete with thick-frame glasses, and a standout teal suede suit paired with a white turtleneck, Robert proved he could command attention just as effortlessly on the runway as he does at Australia Zoo.

With his hair slicked back and his signature smile lighting up the room, he beamed with pride during the show and later took to social media to reflect on the milestone moment.

"Never imagined I'd be walking the runway, but here we are!" he captioned, thanking Melbourne Fashion Festival for what he called an "amazing night."

Robert Irwin, the New Reigning 'DWTS' Champ

If 2024 marked his fashion world breakthrough, 2025 has solidified his status as a true breakout star. Just yesterday (November 25), Robert took home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy after winning Season 34 of "DWTS" — the very same prize his sister Bindi had earned a decade earlier. For Robert, the win isn't just a personal achievement. It is a deeply emotional, full-circle moment.

"I'm just feeling such an overwhelming sense of gratitude," he told Entertainment Tonight after the finale. "This has changed my life."

Reflecting on the journey, Robert dubbed his friendship with dance partner Witney Carson "the greatest gift of all," adding that the bond they built throughout the competition would last forever.

The moment carries added meaning for Robert, who revealed he had been in the very same studio ten years earlier, watching his sister lift the trophy with partner Derek Hough. "To follow in her footsteps and to represent my family's legacy is everything," he said.

Bindi had taken home the title back in 2015 after dedicating her final performance to their late father. At just 17, she brought judges and viewers to tears with her passion and vulnerability, ultimately earning a perfect score and a lasting place in "DWTS" history.

Now, with his own emotional victory, Robert joins her in that rare sibling winner's circle — honoring the past while dancing confidently into his future.

From zoo enclosures to fashion runways and glittering ballroom stages, Robert continues to evolve before the world's eyes — honoring his family's legacy while fearlessly forging his own.

With his charm, compassion, and unshakable authenticity, it's clear: Robert Irwin isn't just following in anyone's footsteps — he's dancing confidently in his own.