Veteran actor Ian Smith, widely recognized for his role as Harold Bishop on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, has shared an uplifting update regarding his health.
The 86-year-old star, who was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer in 2023, has revealed that his treatment appears to be yielding positive results. Smith initially disclosed his condition when he announced his departure from the show in December 2024.
At the time, he had been given a grim prognosis, with doctors suggesting he might not live beyond March 2025. However, against all odds, the actor has defied expectations and continues to fight his illness with resilience and humor.
Smith is currently undergoing immunotherapy for pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. Remarkably, he has responded well to the treatment, with his tumors showing significant signs of shrinkage.
Speaking candidly in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Smith expressed his relief and gratitude for the unexpected extension of his life. He acknowledged that while he was initially resigned to his prognosis, the recent improvements in his health have prompted him to reconsider his future.
“I was supposed to die in March, but that doesn’t seem to be happening,” he said. “So now I’m thinking of buying a new car. That’s not something you do if you believe you won’t be around much longer.”
Maintaining his signature sense of humor, Smith recounted a conversation he had with a car salesman while inquiring about purchasing an electric vehicle. “I asked about the delivery time and said, ‘Can you get it to me before I’m dead?’” he shared with a chuckle.
“The poor guy was so shocked! But I told him, ‘Come on, let’s have a giggle.’” This lighthearted approach to his illness has been a defining aspect of Smith’s journey, helping him cope with the gravity of his diagnosis. He emphasized that he refuses to mope and is determined to make the most of the time he has left.
Despite his atheism, Smith admitted that he has found himself expressing gratitude for the second chance he has been given. “I couldn’t say, ‘Thank you, God,’ but I did say, ‘Thank you, someone,’ for giving me more time,” he explained.
However, he remains uncertain about how best to use this unexpected extension of life. “I’m still not sure I’ve figured out the answer, but I do know I’m not going to spend my days sitting around feeling sorry for myself,” he said.
When he first made his diagnosis public, Smith expressed his willingness to become a “guinea pig” for experimental treatments, hoping that his journey could contribute to medical advancements. His approach appears to be paying off, as he believes he is “leading the way” in treatment for his rare form of cancer.
Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to combat the disease, has been instrumental in his progress. His oncologists, he joked, are thrilled with his case. “They’re very happy to say I’m defying the odds… probably because they think it will make them famous!”
However, Smith acknowledged that his battle with cancer has not been without emotional challenges. Despite the positive medical updates, he admitted to struggling with depression. “Cancer is the elephant in the room,” he shared. “I’m stuck in this limbo, not knowing what to plan for.”
One of his deepest frustrations is his uncertainty about traveling. “I’d love to go to Japan—it’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit,” he said. “But I don’t trust my body enough to get me there, and I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.”
Smith’s perspective on illness is also shaped by personal loss. His wife, Gail, passed away from cancer in 2019 after more than five decades of marriage. He reflected on the well-meaning but sometimes frustrating comments he has received from people who express admiration for medical advancements.
“People say, ‘Oh, it’s wonderful what they can do these days,’” he said. “Yes, of course, it’s wonderful. We are very clever human beings. But the fact remains that cancer is still there. From the moment I wake up, it’s on my mind. It’s a constant reminder, and you can never truly escape it.”
Despite the challenges, Smith remains resolute in his determination to continue living life on his own terms. Whether it’s cracking jokes, contemplating major purchases, or expressing gratitude for more time, he refuses to let his illness define him. His journey is a testament to resilience, humor, and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
