9 hours Ago By Kate Halfpenny
Meet Steve Irwin off his plane in Sydney, I was told. Easy. At the gate, a few passengers appeared.
Not Steve. Not Steve. Ah.
Was that Steve? I wasn’t sure. The bloke looked like the famous wildlife warrior. Same build, kinda the same hair.
But there was something wrong with his mouth. Huge teeth pushing out his jaw. Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.
I caught his eye, feeling ridiculous. How could anyone not recognise Steve Irwin? “You Kate?” he muttered. “I need a slash.
” That was our greeting. Steve headed silently for the toilet, then the exit. Still said nothing, just climbed into the car, ready to head to our shoot for Who M agazine ’s Most Intriguing People issue.
Wow, I thought. Talk about not as advertised. Steve Irwin is making a brand and a fortune out of being engaging and awesome.
He’s actually a rude arsehole. But then, Steve became Steve! Whipped out the giant teeth – false! Might have also whipped off a wiglet. I couldn’t say for sure, so overwhelming was my relief.
“Sorry mate,” he said. “Always use the disguise when I travel. Can’t talk with the teeth in.
” For five hours, Steve talked with openness and love about family, life, work. He was ace. And he proved he had the same kinetic energy, the same heart, as when cameras were on.
His manic enthusiasm was real..
