Ian Smith reveals cancer diagnosis
"I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can," says legendary actor Ian Smith, as he departs Neighbours to focus on his health.
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Veteran actor Ian Smith has filmed his final Neighbours scene as he departs the long running soap to focus on his health.
Smith, 85, has revealed he has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis – a cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.
“It isn’t just my last day in Neighbours, it’s my last day of work,” he told 10 News First reporter Angela Bishop.
“I found out a few months back that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer, and they expect me to die.”
He has already undergound three rounds of treatment.
“The first one wasn’t chemo, it was immunotherapy, which is reasonably new to to the medical world. I’ve really put my hand up just to be a guinea pig, I think, plus the fact I don’t want to die. I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can. If they can do that, I’m very happy. But I wake up every morning hoping there’s no pain, because I know that’s the beginning of the bad part.”
Ian Smith, or Harold Bishop, as he’s known to Neighbours fans around the world, is a beloved institution when it comes to the Australian small screen. Tonight, it is to the great sadness of everyone at the 10 Network that we share the news he has terminal cancer | @AngelaBishop pic.twitter.com/Dcop4CRP8F
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) December 2, 2024
Smith has previously lost his adopted mother and father, and biological mother to cancer as well as his beloved wife of five decades, Gail.
Neighbours cast and crew gathered to farewell Smith on set, amid tears, speeches and hugs for a beloved ensemble member.
“There were real tears. In fact, one young fella, he worried me a bit. I had to follow up and make sure he was alright the next day. It knocked me out a bit honestly,” he said.
His final scenes included the return of Anne Charleston, best known as Madge, who returns to the soap as a new character.
“The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn’t love him more than we do,” said Jason Herbison, Executive Producer.
“Despite the challenges he was facing with his health, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off. It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show.”
Sad news, thinking of you heaps, Ian…
Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street. We’re sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop. Ian first played Harold in 1987 and it’s been a huge privilege to welcome him back to the show over the years. pic.twitter.com/gftz0qklZw
— Neighbours (@neighbours) December 2, 2024
- Tagged with Neighbours
14 Responses
I don’t watch Neighbours, however I am aware of his character in the show. I remember him in Division 4. He impressed me because his characters, albeit felons for the most part, were simple & down-to-earth Aussies. Ian gave his utmost in making these characters convincing. I’m so sorry mate that your health has failed you, and that you can live out your remaining time with dignity. Thanks for the memories Ian
Very sad news. Praying for you Ian. A true gentleman.
Such sad news, I binged watched a heap of 90’s Neighbours just yesterday, he still hasn’t changed now!
Pit of my stomach sick. Neighbours was my first industry job in 2006/7, which I remember with great affection. Heartbroken for him and his loved ones.
Whilst I haven’t watched Neighbours in many years, he was there not just as Harold when I did, but before that, was such a central creative force in Prisoner. Aussie TV has so much to thank him for so I hope he feels all the love and appreciation while he still can.
This is terrible news Ian wishing you the best very sad news indeed you were always great as Harold in Neighbours
Dear Ian Smith Harold Bishop you are a great actor on TV. Me and my father Ian met you in 1999 at Frankston VFL Park v Williamstown. My dad Ian Lucena preached Jehovah’s Witness paradise beliefs sorry about that maybe you will be in a paradise soon with my dad and others you have been a funny man on Neighbours. From Jason Lucena
Based on the interview, Ian doesn’t appear religious, but I’m sure he would appreciate the sentiment.
Devastating news, such a terrible news, wishing you all the best Ian, and thankyou for all the memories from your brilliant career.
This is devastating. My thoughts and best wishes to Ian, his family and the cast and crew of Neighbours.
Harold is an icon, thanks to Ian’s brilliant portrayal over the years. He deserves some proper recognition.
This is heart-breaking. What an absolute legend Ian is. Wishing him all the very best.
PS: I demand he receives a special Logie.
Very sad news, Ian is a legend. In Sydney, Sandra Sully was visibly upset and struggled to speak at the end of the package.
Very devastating news. I watched the news via its YouTube channel and I was quite saddened to hear about his terminal cancer diagnosis. I could hear him starting to feel very emotional with his exclusive interview.
This is absolutely heart breaking, Madge standing on the rocks shouting “Harold” is etched into my childhood. He’s such a lovable human being. A true Australian legend.