Robert Irwin’s win on Dancing With The Stars could set him up to be a major star in the US, raking in millions of dollars. The 21-year-old took home the Mirrorball Trophy this week after he and his dance partner Witney Carson stole the hearts of North America during the three-month-long competition.
Robert is already seemingly everywhere in Australia. From Bonds underwear billboards to hosting I’m A Celebrity.
Publicist to the stars’ Max Markson has been behind some of the biggest celebrity deals in Aussie history and told Yahoo Lifestyle that Irwin’s win could skyrocket him to a level of fame that could rival his late father, the iconic Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin.
“[Robert’s] already got a profile here in this country, but his win promotes him tremendously in America, and it means he’ll get serious money in terms of endorsements and more television in America,” he said.
“He can definitely not just follow in his father’s footsteps, but he can do other things that he wants to do, and that’s really important for his family.”
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PR expert Nicole Reaney told Yahoo Lifestyle she wouldn’t be surprised if he’s suddenly flooded with much bigger offers and deals overseas.
“He holds a favourable persona,” she said.
“He’s likeable, fun and adaptable in how he could fit into various entertainment roles.
“I’m sure he will have varying opportunities to weigh up but it will all be tipped in his favour.”
How much could Robert Irwin earn after DWTS win?
Max agreed with Nicole that Robert’s future looks bright, and added that there was one particular type of offer he should be signing up for.
“Say yes to multi-year deals,” he told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“I’d be pushing for TV commercials…that’s the way to go.
“And at 21 years old, he can ask for what he wants.”
He said three-to-five-year brand deals could be on the horizon, which are usually worth multi-millions of dollars.
Max likened it to how George Clooney became the longtime face of coffee brand Nespresso.
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Before he started the US reality TV show, Robert had an estimated net worth of $7.7 million, which was the same net worth as his sister, Bindi.
While his salary for Dancing With The Stars hasn’t been disclosed, the celebrity dancers typically get paid for how long they survive on the show.
Considering he lasted all the way to the end, he could receive between $447,000 and $606,000.
That might end up being child’s play compared to the money he could be offered in the coming months, according to Max.
Robert Irwin thanks everyone after Dancing With The Stars win
The 21-year-old published a message of thanks to his supporters on social media now that the dust of his triumphant win has started to settle.
He said his dance partner, Witney, and his family had been such an incredible and integral part of his success.
Robert also wanted to express his appreciation for everyone who voted for him week-after-week.
Robert was overcome with emotion after his Dancing With The Stars win. Picture: Getty
“I’ll never be able to describe what last night and these last three months have meant to me, but I can say THANK YOU,” he said.
“Thank you for letting me live out my dream. First and foremost to the person who was by my side through every twist and turn… the person who believed in me, pushed me (and made sure I always had snacks in rehearsals) – Witney… thank you.”
His win came a decade after Bindi competed on the US show and similarly took out the Mirrorball Trophy.
Witney has also won the competition once, which was 11 years ago.
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“Bindi, you inspired me to embark on this adventure, and I have you to thank for setting me on the course to take this remarkable journey,” he said.
He also gave a shoutout to his fellow contestants, which he said they have morphed into good mates during the gruelling competition.
But Robert said it was an honour to represent Australia and Australia Zoo each week in front of millions of people.
“I lift this Mirrorball Trophy with a sense of gratitude that my message and everything I stand for was recognised in that ballroom. The lessons I learned and friendships that I have formed will be part of me forever,” he said.
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