Robert Irwin Is All Smiles for First Red Carpet Appearance With Girlfriend Rorie Buckey
Robert Irwin and Rorie Buckey have officially stepped out as a couple after making their first red carpet appearance together this week.
Robert, the son of late zookeeper Steve Irwin, looked overjoyed to be smiling for a photo-op with girlfriend Buckey, who happens to be the niece of late actor Heath Ledger.
The duo were among the attendees at the Australian premiere of Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, which took place in Sydney on Monday, July 3.
Rorie, the 19-year-old daughter of The Dark Knight actor's sister, Kate Ledger, first sparked romance rumors with Robert, 19, last fall. They were later spotted spending time with Irwin's mother, Terri Irwin, at Australia Zoo in December 2022, as seen in pics obtained by Daily Mail at the time.
Rorie's father, Nathan Buckey, later shared his opinion on his daughter's new romance, telling Daily Mail Australia that he "absolutely" approved of her relationship with Robert. However, he said he "didn't want to go into detail," about the specifics of his teenage daughter's personal relationship.
Both Robert and Rorie come from famous families who have dealt with their own share of devastating tragedy.
Robert's father Steve, a zookeeper, wildlife educator, and Crocodile Hunter died suddenly at age 44 after a fatal encounter with a stingray in the Great Barrier Reef in 2006. He left behind wife Terri, son Robert, and daughter Bindi Irwin, who has since welcomed her own daughter to the world.
As for Rorie, her uncle was one of Hollywood's hottest actors when he tragically died in 2008, as the result of an accidental prescription drug overdose. Heath, who posthumously won an Academy Award for his role in The Dark Knight was only 28 at the time of his death. His sister Kate accepted the award on his behalf at the time.
Next: Robert Irwin Gets Bit in the Face by the Same Type of Snake as Late Dad Steve: 'Déjà Vu'