R.I.P. Steve "Croc Hunter" Irwin

One of television's most recognizable personalities, Steve Irwin, died today, doing what he loved to do - working with dangerous animals. Irwin, of "Crocodile Hunter" fame, was lanced in the chest by a stingray's barb.

Irwin was one of my favorite "over the top" characters. So much so that when asked to do a staged sendup of him for a friend's theater workshop, I spent hours watching his show and imitating his accent and mannerisms to get my characterization just right -- perhaps even more outlandish, if possible.

I always thought of Irwin as a sort of Australian National Treasure -- an Aussie everyman who did more than anyone to bring attention to his homeland and to the plight of endangered animals throughout the world. He made me smile often but I was also reduced to tears while watching his show, particularly when he was so moved by his occasional inability to help some poor, doomed creature. One example was the show in which he tried to save a baby elephant, but ultimately lost and broke down crying. Another that springs to mind was the episode wherein he discussed losing his dog, Sui.

My heart goes out to his wife, Terri and their two children. Steve was one of the good ones -- an original, never to be duplicated, only imitated. I like to think he and Sui are running wild in the outback together, watching over his beloved Australia Zoo and all creatures great and toothy.