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Robert Irwin holds back tears seeing late father Steve Irwin's wax figure at Madame Tussauds Sydney
"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," he said.
December 01, 2024, 07:29 PM
Wildlife conservationist and zookeeper Robert Irwin, 21, held back tears as his wax figure was unveiled next to his late dad's at Sydney, Australia's Madame Tussauds.
"That is amazing. It's the first time in a long time that he's not just a picture," he said as he choked back tears.
The emotional reaction was caught on video, which was shared by news.com.au.
@news.com.au Someone give that man a hug 😭😭 Robert Irwin was seen getting emotional after seeing the Madame Tussauds wax figure of his dad Steve Irwin #robertirwin #steveirwin #celebrity #entertainment #australia #australia🇦🇺 ♬ Sad and lonely - MoppySound
He was also seen shaking his head and walking away to collect himself at the event, which was held on Nov. 28.
Robert said that it was the first time he had seen his dad's wax figure in real life, People reported.
"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's own wax figure was unveiled beside his father's, which was built in 2015.
He described the occasion as "one of the most surreal moments" of his life.
"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," he said.
Photo from Madame Tussauds website
Celebrated his birthday
Steve Irwin was a television personality, conversationist and zookeeper, and was killed by a stingray in 2006 at age 44. Robert was two years old at the time.
Robert also turned 21 on Dec. 1, and in an Instagram post, shared some old photos of his father.
"It can be hard to celebrate the milestones when there’s someone missing, but I will carry his memory and passion with me in this new chapter of life."
"I am one lucky guy to be surrounded by my amazing family today. Time to celebrate!" he added.
Robert Irwin, his mother Terri Irwin, and sister Bindi Irwin, run Australia Zoo in Queensland.
The zoo has been nursing hundreds of animals injured by the massive bushfires spreading over the continent since August 2019.
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Top photo via Madame Tussauds
