NEW YORK (AP) – Robert Irwin has long been a voice for animals. Now he is actually uttering an animal.
The 17-year-old son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin gives his voice to a character on the popular children’s animated television show “Bluish.”
“I’ve had so many fun, and great, and scary, and fun, and exciting adventures with animals. But I’ve never become an animal or the voice of an animal, ”he tells The Associated Press from his native Australia.
“Bluey”, produced in Brisbane, which focuses on a 6-year-old Blue Heeler puppy of the same name, her sister Bingo and her parents Chilli and Bandit, has developed into a worldwide phenomenon in just a few years.
The show was recognized for its ability to speak honestly about parenting and childhood, with realistic dialogue and creative play. It won an international Emmy Kids Award for best preschool program. It’s available on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and DisneyNOW.
In the upcoming season two episode titled “The Quiet Game,” Irwin approaches an employee named Alfie on his first day at a toy store when Bluey, Bingo, and Bandit are looking for a birthday present for a friend of the kids.
The problem is that dad used to persuade his children to play quietly and that their heavy engagement has now backfired, forcing him to use charades to figure out which toys to buy. Then Alfie comes along and expertly translates the children’s notes. “Alfie, you rock star!” says dad after choosing the right toy.
Irwin who works at Australia Zoo, A 700 hectare facility on the continent’s Sunshine Coast, set up by his father, the “Crocodile Hunter”, used his knowledge of dingoes in the zoo and his own pug to empathize with the character.
“I feel like I have a lot to draw,” he said. “I definitely know a dog’s mind pretty well. And it was fun to slip into these shoes. “
According to Irwin, Blue Heelers – also known as Australian Cattle Dogs – are a cult breed from the outback who are wise and natural shepherds.
“They really are these amazing, intelligent, loyal working dogs,” he said. “If you’re looking to adopt a Blue Heeler, you definitely want to be ready for a very energetic dog.”
Irwin, who was only two years old when his father died in 2006, has continued Steve Irwin’s wildlife conservation and environmental education work with his mother Terri and sister Bindi. He usually makes documentaries, but took the chance to reach a different audience with “Bluey” and expand his family’s voice.
“For me it is in a way an immense honor and responsibility, but in no way a burden. It is a privilege to be able to carry on this legacy, ”he said.
“It is the most amazing honor every day to see that the incredible work my mother and father started continues, especially after we lost father. I know our number one priority was making sure that everything he lived and died for continues. “
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Mark Kennedy is with https://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
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