The son of the late zookeeper and conservationist became visibly emotional as he stood next to his dad’s wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Sydney, Australia, for the very first time, fighting tears as he addressed reporters.
“That is amazing,” Robert said in a TikTok video posted by News.com.au Nov. 28. “It’s the first time in a long time that he’s not just a picture.”
Later, the 20-year-old explained why seeing the figure of his father—who died at age 44 after a 2006 stingray attack—was such a poignant moment for him.
“I didn’t think that was gonna happen, but I was actually quite emotional,” he told Australian morning show Sunrise. “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, and it was a really beautiful thing.”
Robert—who has taken up his father’s work along with his 26-year-old sister Bindi Irwin—was on hand for the unveiling of his own wax figure, which depicts him in his signature khakis as he holds a snake.
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“This is one of the most surreal moments of my entire life,” he said on the program. “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.”
The honor holds special significance for Robert, as his figure will be on display next to his dad’s, which was unveiled in 2015.
“My life’s about continuing his legacy,” he concluded, “so the fact that I get to be there with him now means a lot.”
Keep reading to see more stars who’ve been immortalized in wax.
RihannaShine bright like a diamond RiRi! The Grammy winner’s wax figure makes her debut at Madame Tussauds New York before her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance. LizzoThe “Juice” singer was feelin’ good as hell when she unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
Shawn MendesThe singer-songwriter’s Madame Tussauds Wax Figure, which is housed in Berlin, is unlike any other’s in that you can literally lie next to it for a snuggle-worthy photo opp. Ariana GrandeSocial media users were quick to critique the statue after it was unveiled at Madame Tussauds London.Priyanka ChopraThe Isn’t It Romantic actress strikes a pose next to her wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York.
Ariana GrandeWe’re saying thank you, next to this eerily accurate wax figure of the pop star, which was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Berlin, Germany. Prince Harry & Meghan MarkleCheck out these wax figures of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.Khloe KardashianDon’t be fooled! This is not actually KoKo.
Jason MomoaThe actor’s Aquaman alter-ego makes waves at Madame Tussauds Orlando.Ed SheeranThe figure looked identical to the British star, including his guitar and flannel shirt. Steve AokiThe Grammy nominee celebrates the DJ Experience launch at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas.
BeyoncéThis Madame Tussauds wax figure of Bey looks way more like Bey.Kendall JennerThe Keeping Up With the Kardashians star hangs out with her doppelganger.Ryan GoslingHey girl, it’s Ryan Gosling’s look-alike!
Kylie JennerThe Keeping Up With the Kardashians star meets her doppelganger.Zoe SaldanaSeeing double! The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 actress mimics her wax twin at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.Laverne CoxThe actress helps unveil her Madame Tussauds wax figure in Hollywood, California.
Alessandra AmbrosioThe Victoria’s Secret model poses with her wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Shanghai, China.Jason DeruloThe singer jumps with his wax figure at its unveiling at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.Stephen CurryThe basketball star dribbles with his wax counterpart at Madame Tussauds in San Francisco.
Miley CyrusThe pop star’s wax image models Christmas attire at Madame Tussauds in Berlin.Cody SimpsonThe Australian singer gives a kiss to his wax figure at Madame Tussauds in Orlando.AdeleThe “Hello” singer is recreated at Madame Tussauds in London.
Anne HathawayMadame Tussauds in Hollywood shows their wax version of the actress.Angelina JolieThis Angelina Jolie wax figure is dressed similar to what she wore at the BAFTA Awards in London in February 2014.Jon HammJon Hamm twinning with his wax look-alike at Madame Tussauds in New York.
Benedict CumberbatchThe British actor stands next to his identical wax twin at Madame Tussauds in London.Jennifer LopezJ.Lo gets another wax figure of herself at Madame Tussauds in New York.Zayn MalikOne Direction fans wipe away tears following the news of the departure of Zayn Malik from One Direction on March 31, 2015 in London, England.
Ariana GrandeMadame Tussauds does it again! Viewers can’t help but “focus” on this superstar’s wax figure.
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