Wildlife television presenter Steve Irwin has been voted the most iconic Australian ever.
Irwin, known by all as ‘The Crocodile Hunter’, was one of the world’s best loved television personalities and now in a poll of 100 people conducted by UNILAD he’s been voted the greatest Australian ever.
With over two thirds of the vote conservationist Irwin overwhelmingly beat the likes of actor Hugh Jackman and actress Margot Robbie, nine per cent, to the top spot.
Growing up with crocodiles and pythons, Irwin always had a special bond with wildlife and seemed destined to be the hero he would become.
He first achieved worldwide fame when his television series The Crocodile Hunter became a huge hit in 1996.
Steve and his wife Terri hosted the show which documented the couple’s travels around the world and their animal rescue work.
The first episode actually features footage from their honeymoon where they spent it rescuing crocodiles together in Australia.
It’s no wonder then that the world quickly fell in love with the Irwin family – I mean isn’t that just the cutest honeymoon ever!
As well as making various popular television shows including Croc Files, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries and New Breed Vets, the couple also owned and operated Australia Zoo which was founded by Steve’s parents.
On September 4, 2006 the world was shocked as reports of Irwin’s death hit the headlines.
While filming an underwater documentary entitled Ocean’s Deadliest, at Batt Reef near Queensland, Irwin approached a stingray which pierced him in his heart with its tail.
Initially thinking he had a punctured lung, Irwin tragically bled to death at the age of just 44.
Twelve years on Irwin’s death is still raw as ever for his millions of fans across the world who remember him for his maverick spirit and crazy stunts with wild creatures.
Following the tenth anniversary of his death, a petition was created to pay ‘respects to the all time greatest Australian bloke’.
Reaching 31,000 signatures, the online petition called for Irwin’s face to appear on Australia’s currency to remember the ‘Aussie icon’.
It’s not just fans who miss and admire Irwin, last June it was announced the legend will be posthumously honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the entertainment industry through wildlife documentaries.
Irwin’s daughter Bindi, tweeted the news to reveal her and her family’s excitement:
Beyond excited to share with you all that we have just received news that Dad will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
UNILAD’s Greatest Aussies Ever
1. Steve Irwin
2. Hugh Jackman
3. Margot Robbie
4. Kylie Minogue
5. Shane Warne
Steve Irwin is survived by his wife Terri who continues her conservation work and his daughter Bindi and son Robert, both of whom work with wildlife.
