Irwin, Steve 1962–2006

PERSONAL

Full name, Stephen Robert Irwin; born February 22, 1962, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia; died from a stingray attack, September 4, 2006, in Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia. Known around the globe as the Crocodile Hunter, the energetic Irwin was host of the Crocodile Hunter television series that aired on the Animal Planet network. Irwin was also the director of the Australia Zoo in Queensland, Australia. Raised by his naturalist parents at the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, Irwin grew up with reptiles and developed a strong interest in crocodiles. In 1992 he filmed his first documentary program on wildlife; the program evolved into the Crocodile Hunter series, which aired regularly on the Animal Planet beginning in 1996. Irwin also appeared in the series Croc Files, Crocodile Hunter Diaries and New Breed Vets. Witty and engaging, Irwin was a popular guest on talk shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Enough Rope with Andrew Denton. Irwin also starred in numerous television specials, including Confessions of the Crocodile Hunter, Crocs in the City, Island of Snakes, and Tigers of Shark Bay. Irwin was in the feature film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, released in 2002, and had a cameo role as himself in Dr. Dolittle 2.

PERIODICALS

Australian, September 22, 2006.

Broadcasting & Cable, September 11, 2006.

Guardian, September 21, 2006.

People Weekly, September 25, 2006.