Robert Irwin arrives on the red carpet at the TIME 100 Next

Robert Irwin Goes Red Carpet Official With Girlfriend Rorie Buckey

Home / Stars / Robert Irwin Goes Red Carpet Official With Girlfriend Rorie Buckey

By Afouda Bamidele on July 5, 2023 at 5:30 PM EDT

Robert Irwin steps onto the red carpet with his stunning girlfriend, Rorie Buckey.

The young conservationist's passion has grown beyond just animals and took the step to make his relationship red carpet official. The love birds both have celebrity backgrounds, with the TV personality being the son of the renowned Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, and Buckey, whose mother is Kate, the sister of the late actor Heath Ledger. 

Article continues below advertisement

Robert Irwin And Girlfriend Rorie Buckey Make Their Red Carpet Debut

The pair stepped onto the red carpet together for the first time at the Sydney premiere of "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One."

As reported by Page Six, the young couple, both 19-years-old, radiated affection as Irwin held Buckey close, wrapping his arm around her waist while they posed happily for photographers. Donning an all-black suit, the wildlife photographer looked dashing, perfectly matching the college student's stunning one-shoulder dress.

Article continues below advertisement
Article continues below advertisement

Since late last year, they have been romantically linked, and even before their red-carpet debut, the TV star had taken his relationship with his new girlfriend to the next level. The wildlife enthusiast did this by flying interstate to spend the Easter break with her family, cementing their bond and creating cherished memories.

Per Daily Mail, on April 6, the Australian native was spotted at Perth Airport engaging in a tender display of affection with Buckey as they reunited. Irwin had flown in from Queensland, where he works at the family-operated Australia Zoo, to spend time with his girl's household. 

Article continues below advertisement

As soon as he disembarked from the plane, the blonde beauty rushed up to him, wrapping her arms around him in a lingering hug. The couple could not keep their hands off each other as she led the actor to the street, where her parents, Kate and Nathan, eagerly awaited them in a parked car. 

With a beaming expression, the zookeeper pulled his two suitcases along and warmly greeted his sweetheart's parents, who responded with approving smiles. As they approached the car, her father quickly hopped out to lend a hand, helping his daughter's beau load his bags into the trunk. 

Article continues below advertisement

At the airport reunion, Buckey made a stunning impression, donning a chic plunging white halterneck dress paired with dainty platform sandals. She carried a cross-body blue satchel bag, accessorizing with a necklace, drop earrings, and a bangle with an 'R' pendant.

On the other hand, the "Kate Plus 8" guest star traded his Australia Zoo khaki uniform for a laid-back ensemble featuring a white printed T-shirt, blue jeans, and rugged hiking boots. He added a touch of sophistication with a silver wristwatch and a stylish hairdo, radiating a relaxed charm.

The 'Crikey! It's The Irwins' Star Reminded Fans Of Late Father

Fans Laud Robert Irwin As 'A Chip Off The Old Block' As He Feeds Daisy The Alligator
Instagram | Robert Irwin

In the clip, he looked right at home as he moved through different parts of the Australia Zoo, leading to the alligator sanctuary. His intention was to show his niece, Grace, how to feed the reptiles.

With her doting mom, Bindi, holding her in place, the two-year-old watched eagerly as her uncle bravely jumped into the enclosure to hand-feed a thick, scaly reptile named Daisy. 

With the confident ease of a seasoned zookeeper, the teenager, sporting a monochromatic shirt and shorts that resembled his late father, proudly showcased the reptile's "blunt" teeth and "strong" jaws. 

While feeding Daisy some sausage-styled meat, he shared insightful information: "They're really sweet. My dad called them frogs with shark teeth because that's pretty much what they are." 

Article continues below advertisement

After the reptile finished her meal, the "Bluey" actor turned the camera back to his sister and niece, asking the little one what she thought. With genuine enthusiasm, Grace responded, "Love you, Daisy."

The footage struck a chord with fans of his late father's work as the comment section overflowed with heartwarming recollections. One fan shared, "I grew up watching Steve as a kid, and I was just taken back to sitting in my Grandparent's house and feeling those same feelings again." 

Another person gushed, "He is definitely a chip off the ole block from his dad. Such a love for all the animals. Truly amazing. Little Grace is so freaking adorable." A third pointed out, "Robert is such a natural. What a sweet video, with a powerful Daisy - the teeth!" Meanwhile, a fourth admirer emotionally stated, "Steve would have been so proud of his babies and grandbabies! ❤️?❤️."

Article continues below advertisement