The Life Of Rorie Buckey: 5 Fascinating Facts About Heath Ledger's Niece After Her Split From Robert Irwin

Rorie Buckey, an Australian student and public figure, has captivated global attention not only as the niece of the late, iconic actor Heath Ledger but also due to her high-profile relationship with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, the son of the legendary 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin. As of December 15, 2025, the most significant update in her public life remains the amicable separation from Robert Irwin, an announcement made in early 2024 that shifted the focus back to her independent endeavors and impressive academic background.

This article dives deep into the life of the Perth-born student, exploring her family connections, her serious pursuit of a professional career in physiotherapy, and her journey as a young Australian navigating the public eye. Beyond the celebrity romance, Rorie Buckey is establishing herself as an accomplished individual with a clear focus on her future outside of the world of wildlife conservation and Hollywood fame.

Rorie Buckey: Complete Biographical Profile

Rorie Buckey is a young Australian woman who gained public recognition through her family lineage and her relationship with Robert Irwin. She maintains a relatively private life despite the intense media scrutiny surrounding her connections to two famous Australian families.

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• Full Name: Rorie Buckey
• Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia, Australia
• Nationality: Australian
• Age: Approximately 20–21 years old (as of late 2025, based on her 2022 high school graduation)
• Family Connection: Niece of the late Academy Award-winning actor, Heath Ledger.
• Mother: Kate Ledger (Heath Ledger's sister, co-owner of a design and media production company).
• Father: Nathan Buckey
• Sibling: Scarlett Buckey (Twin Sister)
• High School: Penrhos College (an all-girls private school in Perth)
• Higher Education: Curtin University (Perth), pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy.
• Notable Achievement: Recipient of a special award from Western Australia’s School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) for outstanding academic performance in her final year of high school.
• Former Public Role: Briefly worked with the Irwin family's conservation efforts at Australia Zoo/Wildlife Warriors.

The End of a High-Profile Romance: Rorie's Split from Robert Irwin

The relationship between Rorie Buckey and Robert Irwin became one of Australia’s most watched romances, captivating fans who saw a perfect blend of two beloved Australian legacies. The pair were first spotted together in late 2022 and quickly became a public item, making their red-carpet debut at the 2023 Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Singapore.

However, in February 2024, the couple announced their mutual and amicable decision to separate after more than a year of dating. The announcement, shared on social media, emphasized that the split was a joint decision and that they intended to remain friends, asking for privacy during the transition.

The breakup immediately sparked widespread media speculation, given the public nature of their lives. Despite the curiosity, both Rorie and Robert have maintained a dignified silence regarding the reasons, adhering to their initial statement. Following the announcement, both parties adjusted their social media presence, removing posts featuring one another, which is a common step after a public separation.

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Rorie had previously made a career move to join the Irwin family business, working with the Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors team. This move, which was seen as a sign of commitment to the Irwin clan’s mission, was a significant part of her public narrative before the split. Her current focus, post-breakup, appears to have shifted back entirely to her academic pursuits and life in Perth.

Academic Excellence and Career Aspirations in Physiotherapy

One of the most defining aspects of Rorie Buckey's life, often overshadowed by her celebrity connections, is her commitment to her education and professional career. Rorie is currently a university student in her native Western Australia.

She is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at Curtin University in Perth, a demanding and highly-respected professional path. This dedication to a rigorous academic program showcases a clear ambition to forge her own path outside of the entertainment and conservation worlds that her family connections touch.

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Her academic prowess is not a recent development. During her time at Penrhos College, Rorie, along with her twin sister Scarlett Buckey, achieved outstanding results. She received a special award from the Western Australia education board, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), for her excellence in her final year of high school.

This focus on health and rehabilitation demonstrates a mature and grounded approach to her future, positioning her as a young woman determined to build a successful career based on her own skills and dedication. The choice of physiotherapy as a profession highlights a desire for a stable, impactful career away from the constant spotlight of celebrity life.

The Heath Ledger Legacy and Rorie's Family Background

Rorie Buckey's maternal family history is deeply intertwined with one of Australia’s most celebrated actors, Heath Ledger. Heath Ledger, who tragically passed away in 2008, remains an iconic figure in film history, known for his roles in movies like The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain.

Rorie’s mother, Kate Ledger, is Heath’s sister and has been instrumental in preserving his legacy, particularly through the Heath Ledger Scholarship. This connection means Rorie has grown up with a unique understanding of the pressures and attention that come with being part of a famous family. Her grandmother, Sally Ledger, is also part of this close-knit family unit.

The Buckey family, including her father Nathan and her twin sister Scarlett, has provided a stable, private foundation in Perth. While she respects and acknowledges the Ledger legacy, Rorie has consistently demonstrated a desire to be recognized for her own achievements, particularly her academic and professional goals. This balance between honoring her family's past and defining her own future is a key theme in her public narrative.