“He pushed his luck”: Heartfelt new Steve Irwin documentary explores his legacy, flaws, and passion

It’s hard to believe 20 years have passed since we lost wildlife warrior and TV personality Steve Irwin. Fearless, boisterous, fun and always smiling, Steve – better known as the Crocodile Hunter – was a man who changed the world of nature documentaries by getting up close and personal with some of our most terrifying animals.

Despite the tragic accident of one of those creatures, a stingray, taking his life, Steve’s legacy lives on in a new documentary: Steve Irwin: A Wild Life.

As this documentary begins, his long-time friend and cameraman, Justin Lyons, explains why: “Steve was this larger-than-life, crazy, enigmatic, passionate lunatic.”

During the following hour of archival moments from Steve’s many TV appearances, plus interviews with those who knew and loved him, the Crocodile Hunter certainly lives up to his old friend’s summary.

Whether he’s dancing away from the jaws of a giant crocodile, or cuddling a cute koala, he educated, amazed, engaged and put a smile on the faces of millions of fans.

And, yes, the controversial side of Steve’s life is discussed here too… from the debate over how much was too much when it came to dealing with wild animals; whether he went too far with involving his young family in the dangerous documentaries he made; and if there was a sad inevitability to his eventual death, given just how far he pushed his luck.

But, throughout it all, there’s also confirmation that whatever the conservationist did was done with the best of intentions – and a good dose of fun while he was at it.

“That’s what life’s about, isn’t it?” we see Steve saying to Charles Wooley of 60 Minutes back in 2002. “Just getting out there, having fun following your passion and being enthusiastic. That’s the go!”

And that’s the Irwin joy that lives on today.

Of course, Steve was also a devoted husband to Terri and a father to Bindi and Robert. Speaking to TV WEEK, Gold Logie nominee Robert describes his father as “the most passionate human being”.

“He approached everything at a hundred per cent,” he says. “If I can be half the person he was, I’ll be very, very happy. He was truly a superhero.

“And there was so much more to Dad than I think people realise. As a dad, he was just the most devoted human being. I lost him very young, but that passion he had it couldn’t help but take hold. All I can hope is that I’m doing him proud.”

Steve Irwin: A Wild Life airs Wednesday, September 2, 8.30pm on Nine Network and 9Now.