Neighbours legend shares 'miracle' cancer update as doctors are astounded
Veteran actor Ian Smith has revealed how experimental treatment and unexpected side effects have given him renewed energy and hope - despite a rare, aggressive cancer diagnosis
Ian Smith, best known to millions as Harold Bishop from Neighbours, has opened up about his ongoing battle with cancer and how he's surprising even his doctors.
The beloved Australian actor, 86, appeared on The Morning Show on Channel Seven this week, giving fans an optimistic update on his condition following a diagnosis that initially left little hope. 'I have got cancer. I know that because doctors tell me I have. But apart from that... No pain. I was supposed to die in March,' Smith revealed. "I am having the easiest ride, seriously."
In December, Smith was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive lung cancer. Initially, doctors described the illness as 'non-fixable,' and his prognosis was grim. But after being placed on an experimental treatment plan - one he jokingly described as becoming a 'guinea pig' - he has defied expectations. 'I want to go forever,' he said, smiling. 'I don't want to play Harold anymore, but I don't want to stop acting.'
Though the diagnosis was serious, Smith says the treatment has brought with it an unexpected twist. 'I've possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says, 'Look at your hair'' he laughed. "They are all jealous I've got so much hair. I went through the treatment, started to lose my hair and went totally bald. I then went onto the immunotherapy and got a head full of hair... not just hair, but curly hair."
He's realistic but hopeful, sharing that he now looks forward to 'a year, maybe two' more of life than doctors initially projected. And despite stepping away from Neighbours, the veteran performer insists he's not stepping away from the craft that shaped his life. 'I'm not cured,' he admitted. 'But I'm here. And I feel fine.'
His final appearance on the iconic Aussie soap was deeply emotional. In a touching farewell, Harold announced he was moving to Port Douglas, Queensland, bringing longtime fans to tears. Reflecting on those final scenes, Smith said being surrounded by his fellow castmates made the moment even more poignant. 'I love them all dearly,' he shared. "They're like family."
Smith began portraying Harold in 1987 and became one of the show's most cherished characters, known for his warmth, resilience, and memorable reappearances after dramatic disappearances.
Now, in real life, Smith is living a storyline even soap writers couldn't dream up. In a recent interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he spoke candidly about how far he's come since doctors first gave him just months to live. 'I've got cancer, yes, I'm going to die soon but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good,' he said.
Back in January, Smith told TV Week that his tumour had begun to shrink following three rounds of treatment including immunotherapy and chemotherapy. That progress continues to fuel his quiet determination.
'I've been reborn,' he said. 'And I've still got stories to tell.'
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