RIP
Steve Irwin
Sometimes Credited As:
n/a Born:
Victoria, Australia on 2/22/1962 Professions:
television host, Actor, animal naturalist Photos
News
Interviews
Premieres
Filmography
Biography
Stephen Irwin was born to love animals. He has been caring for reptiles long before the tender age of six when he received his first long scrub python.
Born in Victoria, Australia and later relocated to Queensland, the Irwin family started a small reptile park in Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast. In 1973, the Australia Zoo opened their doors to the public and it became a true family business. The young Irwin literally grew up with the animals at the zoo, taking part in their daily maintenance and care.
The elder Irwin taught his young son everything there was to know about reptiles -- even teaching young Irwin how to jump in and catch crocodiles in the rivers of North Queensland at night. His favorite boast back then (and to this day) is that every crocodile in their park (now numbering some 100 animals) was either caught by their bare hands or bred and raised in their park.
In 1990, Irwin received his break into television when he was reunited with his friend, television producer John Stainton. Stainton was filming a television commercial in the Australian reptile park and had extended an offer to shoot a documentary of Irwin and his animals. In 1992, Irwin's first documentary,"The Crocodile Hunter," aired on the Discovery Channel. The success of this documentary led to the production of one of the most popular nature series on cable television.
Irwin could not have made a more fitting choice when he decided to appear in the feature film "Dr. Dolittle 2"(2001), the Eddie Murphy vehicle about a doctor who who can speak to animals. One year later, Irwin's bold and courageous demeanor was showcased in his first starring feature role as himself in "The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" (2002). In it Irwin is joined by his wife Terri as they do what they do best...hunt crocodiles. A nature lover at heart, Irwin did not forget those who have helped him claim fame -- he donated a generous portion of his movie earnings to various crocodile and animal rescue leagues.
Family
daughter:Bindi Sue Irwin
father:Bob Irwin
mother:Lyn Irwin
son:Bob
Education
Companion
Terri Irwin, wife
Awards
Milestones
2002 Starred as himself in "The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course"
2001 Made his feature film debut in "Dr.Dolittle 2"
1992 Made his first documentary title "The Crocodile Hunter"
1991 Operated the family zoo business once parents retired
"The Crocodile Hunter" documentary granted him a one hour television series
Received his first python on his 6th birthday
Was hunting and catching crocodiles by the age of nine
Volunteered at the Queensland Governments rogue crocodile relocation program
