Ian Smith, the beloved actor known for his iconic role as Harold Bishop on Neighbours, has opened up about his emotional journey after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
The 86-year-old Australian actor, who announced his diagnosis in December 2024, shares how the news impacted him and his personal reflections on life since.
Facing the Reality of a Terminal Diagnosis
Smith was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.
Initially, doctors gave him a grim prognosis, expecting him to live only until March 2025.
Despite this, Smith has been surprised by the resilience he’s discovered within himself.
“I thought I would be stronger, but I am as weak as any human,” he admitted.
The actor went on to reveal that since his diagnosis, he’s started doing things he never would have previously, such as taking time to watch sunsets and observe children playing, reflecting on the simple joys of life.
Finding New Perspectives on Life
Although Ian was initially devastated by the news, he now believes that his illness has changed him for the better.
“I vainly say I am a better person now, but I think I am more forgiving, more understanding,” he shared.
His only regret is that these realizations didn’t come sooner, as he feels he could have done more good in the world before his illness.
A Miraculous Turn of Events
After undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Ian was given the good news that the two tumors in his chest had significantly shrunk.
This development drastically improved his life expectancy, extending it to Christmas 2026.
However, before hearing this, Ian had been offered voluntary assisted dying (VAD) drugs, which he had declined.
“I’m awfully glad I did, too, because there have been times I would have taken it. I really would have,” he said.
He now acknowledges that if he had gone through with it, he would have missed out on a precious day in December when he learned of his progress.
“My first thought was: ‘My God, I could have been dead,'” he reflected.
Moving Forward with Courage
Although his cancer remains terminal, Ian is now focused on making the most of his extended time.
He knows that the disease could take a sudden turn, but he feels more prepared this time. “I’m ready this time,” he said with determination.
A Legacy at Neighbours
As Ian continues his fight, Neighbours fans are feeling the weight of his departure from the iconic soap.
Ian’s character, Harold Bishop, will be given a fitting send-off, and executive producer Jason Herbison expressed the deep emotions surrounding the actor’s final moments on set.
“It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show,” Herbison shared.
Ian’s relationship with Neighbours has spanned decades, with his return to the show in 2022 marking yet another chapter in his long-running involvement.
He first joined the series in 1987, left in 1991, returned in 1996, and stayed for over a decade before departing again in 2009.
He made several returns afterward, with his most recent stint beginning in 2022.
Ian will continue to appear on the show until April 2026, providing a final tribute to his unforgettable role.
Support from Fans and the Neighbours Team
A spokesperson for Network 10, the network behind Neighbours, expressed their sadness at Ian’s diagnosis, calling him “a cherished member of the Neighbours family.”
The network and the show’s team, along with Ian’s fans, continue to offer their support during this challenging time.
Ian’s remarkable contributions to the series have left a lasting legacy, and he remains a beloved figure not only on-screen but in the hearts of fans around the world.