Robert Irwin Fights Back Tears After Seeing Late Dad Steve Irwin's Wax Figure

Robert Irwin, son of late conservationist Steve Irwin, saw a physical representation of his father for the first time — and it brought him to tears.

The 20-year-old followed in his father's footsteps as a conservationist, zookeeper, wildlife photographer, and more, an illustrious career that earned him a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Sydney.

The museum chain, known for housing replicas of celebrities and historic icons, honored Robert and the late Steve Irwin on Thursday, November 28. The younger Irwin's reaction to the wax figures was an emotional moment that left fans both touched and heartbroken. 

The touching unveiling moment was captured in a TikTok video detailing the emotional scene between Robert and Steve's wax replica. The wildlife photographer donned his family's signature khaki, looking more like his father's twin than the lifelike tribute.

Steve's wax figure stood before a forest backdrop, complete with his khaki and signature pose of crouching low with his arms open. Robert needed a minute as he stared lovingly at the replica, struggling to hold back his tears while saying:

"That is amazing. It's the first time in a long time that he's not just a picture."

Robert's voice increasingly choked up with each word before he shook his head, exhaled deeply, and walked away from the cameras. News.com.au partly captioned the post, "Someone give that man a hug [bawling emojis]." 

The video left many overcome with emotions as they sympathized with Robert. Some recalled how he lost his father to a stingray attack when he was just 2 years old in 2006, noting it must have been difficult growing up with only his memories.

"He was only 2 years old when Steve passed, so his memories of his dad are pictures and videos, but not real memories. It must hurt a lot," a fan lamented. Another noted: "It's really sad that the world knows Steve Irwin and Robert didn't have the chance to know him through his life."

"They need to get out his face and give him a moment to feel.. and let him take it in. Then interview him. He is still a hurt little boy inside, missing his dad," a third bashed the paparazzi. A fellow supporter added: "I feel like he should have had a private viewing first. He probably wanted to hug him."

At 20, Robert became the youngest Australian celebrity to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Sydney. He addressed the honor in a virtual interview with "Sunrise," an Australian morning show.

Robert spoke to them live from the museum with his wax figure, which captured him rocking his signature khaki and holding a camera with a snake wrapped around his arms. He gushed about the honor being "special," saying:

"This is one of the most surreal moments of my entire life. This is just incredible. I just keep looking at every little bit, going, 'It's me! It is me!' I don't know if the world is ready for two of me."

Robert noted the wax honor felt extra special because his replica got to be near his dad's. He reflected on seeing Steve's wax figure for the first time, revealing he was "overcome with emotion."

"I didn't think that was gonna happen, but I was actually quite emotional seeing it. Dad, for the last 17 years of my life, has been pictures and video, and to actually see him kind of just standing there, it was a lot. It was actually a lot to take in," Robert confessed.

The conservationist got teary-eyed again but fought to regain his composure before vowing to continue his father's legacy. Robert claimed his life revolved around keeping Steve's memories and dreams alive and thanked Madame Tussauds for the wax tribute.

A year before seeing his father's wax figure for the first time, The Blast reported that Robert and his sister Bindi had honored their late father. The siblings shared a sweet tribute to the late conservationist on November 15, also known as Steve Irwin Day.

Robert shared a throwback video of Steve, who talked about how he wanted to be remembered for fighting for wildlife and raising awareness about conservation. "By conserving wildlife, I'm helping humanity. That's what I'd like to be remembered for," he declared.

"Today, November 15, is Steve Irwin Day. A day to remember our dad, the greatest Wildlife Warrior on the planet. He was one man who changed the world forever and continues to inspire the next generations," Robert captioned the heartwarming video.

Rest in peace, Steve Irwin!