Robert Irwin ‘death-rolled’ by 14-foot crocodile named after Jimmy Fallon

Robert Irwin has spent his life face-to-face with deadly animals – but after he was “death-rolled” by “Jimmy Fallon,” the young conservationist admitted he wasn’t sure he’d survive.

Robert Irwin was only 2 years old when the world lost the beloved “Crocodile Hunter” after a short-tail stingray barb pierced his chest during filming near the Great Barrier Reef.

Steve, 44, had built a global following through his fearless wildlife work, energetic personality, and deep passion for conservation, turning dangerous animal encounters into unforgettable lessons about protecting nature.

Nearly two decades later, many fans believe they see that same energy and spirit living on through Robert.

Now 22, Robert has grown into one of Australia’s most recognizable conservationists, regularly working with crocodiles, snakes, and other dangerous animals at the Australia Zoo alongside his 27-year-old sister, Bindi and mother Terri, 61.

Whether he’s appearing in documentaries, sharing wildlife education online, or telling stories during television interviews, viewers often point out how that he’s “so much like his dad” – not just physically, but in his humor, “energy,” and natural storytelling ability.

That resemblance was especially clear during Robert’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 5, 2026, when he shared a story that sounded like something straight out of Steve Irwin’s own adventures.

Robert revealed that a massive crocodile he named after Fallon years ago nearly crushed him during a dangerous conservation task.

The crocodile, now measuring around 14 feet long, has grown into what Robert described as a “boss croc” since first receiving the talk show host’s name as a baby.