Steve Irwin
The khaki-shirt guy with the boundless enthusiasm and the "Crikey!" catchphrase, wrestling crocodiles and charming snakes on television. Steve Irwin's show reached over 130 countries and roughly 500 million viewers, making him a global wildlife icon with an unmistakable hands-on approach.
Steve Irwin became a global phenomenon as the host and star of The Crocodile Hunter. The show debuted in Australia in 1996 and reached North American audiences in 1997, eventually broadcasting to over 130 countries and reaching roughly 500 million viewers. His signature was unmistakable: khaki shirt and shorts, boundless enthusiasm, the catchphrase "Crikey!", and a willingness to get hands-on with crocodiles and snakes — all while delivering infectious wonder to the camera.
With his wife Terri (whom he married in 1992), he ran Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland — a facility founded by his parents — and raised two children, Bindi (born 1998) and Robert (born 2003). Beyond the main show, Irwin starred in spin-offs including Croc Files and The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, and appeared in the 2002 feature film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.
Irwin's life was cut short on September 4, 2006, when he died at age 44 from a stingray injury while filming at Batt Reef. His legacy endures as one of television's greatest conservationists, and his family has continued the wildlife work and stewardship of Australia Zoo that defined his life's mission.
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