Robert Irwin faced a poignant milestone on Thursday – the anniversary of his father Steve’s death in 2006.
But the young star put on a brave face as he left rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars Us in Los Angeles.
The 21-year-old wildlife warrior smiled and waved to photographers as he walked with his bodyguards after another tiring day in the rehearsal studios.
Looking ready for action, Robert wore a sporty blue t-shirt and gray joggers, while covering his eyes behind a pair of sunglasses.
He completed the look with white sneakers and slung a yoga mat and bag over one shoulder.
At one stage, he threw a thumbs up to spectators before being led away by his entourage.
Robert Irwin, 21, (pictured) put on a brave face as he stepped out in Dancing with the Stars USA rehearsals in Los Angeles on the anniversary of his father’s death on Thursday.
The wildlife warrior beamed and waved to photographers as he walked with his bodyguards after another tiring day in the rehearsal studios.
He wasn’t joined for the ride by his stunning dance partner Witney Carson, who bears a striking resemblance to Robert’s ex-girlfriend Rorie Buckey.
Now, eighteen years have passed since the crocodile hunter was fatally struck by a stingray barb during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef, a moment that shocked the world and changed the Irwin family forever.
Robert, who was just two years old at the time, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a passionate conservationist and TV personality.
His mother Terri and sister Bindi also continued Steve’s work, expanding the Australia Zoo.
Later on Thursday, Robert marked the anniversary of Steve’s death with a heartbreaking Instagram post, sharing a photo of himself as a child playing with a lizard alongside his father.
“You never cease to inspire me,” he captioned the image, prompting an avalanche of heartfelt messages from his fans.
‘A great man. So glad you’re continuing his legacy!’ one user wrote.
‘Awww my heart!!! He is so proud of you,’ added another.
Looking ready for action, Robert wore a sporty blue t-shirt and gray joggers, while covering his eyes behind a pair of aviator sunglasses.
He completed the look with white sneakers and slung a yoga mat and tote bag over one shoulder.
Robert’s appearance on the competitive dance series marks a decade since his sister Bindi’s triumphant victory on the show in 2015, alongside her dance partner Derek Hough
Meanwhile, Robert is working hard ahead of his appearance on Dancing With the Stars Us, competing against the likes of Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman, and Alix Earle.
His stint on the series was revealed in April, following its American title advertising campaign.
The Australian TV star was officially confirmed as appearing on the show by Variety – and appeared in top form as he landed in Los Angeles ahead of filming.
Robert’s appearance on the competitive dance series marks a decade since his sister Bindi’s triumphant victory on the show in 2015, alongside her dance partner Derek Hough.
Now, eighteen years have passed since the crocodile hunter was fatally struck by a stingray barb during a filming expedition on the Great Barrier Reef, a moment that shocked the world and changed the Irwin family forever. Pictured: Steve and Terri Irwin with their children Bindi and Robert in 2003
Later on Thursday, Robert marked the anniversary of Steve’s death with a touching Instagram post, sharing this photo of himself as a child playing with a lizard alongside his father.
