Hollywood stars mourn croc hunter Irwin

The memorial service for Steve Irwin has been held at his family's zoo in Queensland today, with several Hollywood actors paying tribute to the 'crocodile hunter'.

A video presentation in honour of the conservationalist was screened for the 5,000 mourners present, including Irwin's family and Australian Prime Minister John Howard. In the pre-recorded video message, Russell Crowe stated: "We've all lost a friend, we've lost a champion, and we're going to take some time to adjust to that."

Cameron Diaz emphasised how Irwin's popularity had extended far beyond his native country: "America just flipped for him... every kid was in love with the idea of being able to be, you know, be him."

Kevin Costner added that "fearless" Irwin "let us see who he was - that is being brave in today's society."

In a poignant speech at the service, eight-year-old Bindi Irwin spoke about her father as being "my hero... I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end."