Robert Irwin is everywhere – on billboards and magazines modeling Bonds underwear and soon enough on our television screens as he competes on Dancing With the Stars. With the increased attention comes more than a few life changes, including the conservationists’ DMs.
“I’m in a scary place right now,” Robert, 21, exclusively told Us Weekly on May 9, one day before he attended the Steve Irwin Gala at the prestigious Bellagio & Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, May 10, in honor of his late father, Steve Irwin.
“I’ve been kinda sorta avoiding the direct message section for a little bit,’ he added of his social media accounts. “The last couple months have been very eye-opening, that’s for sure. And I really thought in modeling Bonds underwear or doing Dancing With the Stars, that sort of thing, I could bring in a whole new audience to listen to my conservation message.”
He continued: “When we made the announcement for Dancing With the Stars, I had a snake right there with me. That’s how I feel comfortable. That’s who I am. It’s all about this mission and I’ve got a real sense of purpose and passion. I got to achieve that. I definitely feel like I’m really lucky that now I’ve got a whole new audience that I can reach and hopefully just put out a bit of positivity and hopefully say, ‘Life’s for living at 100 hundred.’”
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While Irwin navigates a new level of fame and attention, he hopes to also serve as an example for those who are feeling afraid to try something new or wade into the unknown.
“If you’re taking on something new that makes you a little nervous, you’re a little bit unsure, that’s OK,” he explained to Us. “You just got to give it your all. And you’ve got to try as hard as you can to have a bit of fun.”
The young Irwin admits that he is “nervous” as he prepares to step into the new role of competing on Dancing With the Stars, adding that he “just doesn’t really know what to expect.”
“I’m excited to just go,” he added. “Bring it on. Let’s do this. But you have no idea how grateful I am to have Bindi [Irwin], who went through this experience. Not only did she do Dancing With the Stars, I mean she won Dancing With the Stars and just was such an incredible shining light. I remember watching [her] on that show just thinking, ‘This is the coolest thing ever.’”
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He continued: “And a little part of me was thinking, ‘I want to do this one day.’ I just feel so grateful that I get to follow in [her] footsteps … I’m going to need all the help I can get. I’m not a dancer. It’s good nerves, though.”
Robert knows that with an influx of fans and attention comes certain comparisons — primarily fans who may be comparing themselves and their bodies to the young star’s. He’s hopeful, however, that he can serve as a reminder that the only person you should be comparing yourself to is, well, yourself.
“I just try and say, particularly to young people out there, that comparison is the thief of joy — it’s that old saying,” he told Us. “I feel like too often you compare your life to someone else’s or the way you look or what you do. And really, you just got to focus on being the best version of you. It doesn’t matter if you compare yourself to anyone, it’s not what it’s about. It’s about being better than yesterday – that’s the message I want to put out there.”