Actor Ian Smith Reveals 'Aggressive' Lung Cancer Diagnosis: 'They Expect Me to Die'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ian Smith.Photo:Sam Tabone/Getty

Sam Tabone/Getty

Actor Ian Smith revealed that he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

The 86-year-old — known for playing Harold Bishop on the long-running Australian soap operaNeighbours— spoke to10 News Firstand opened up about being diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer.

“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 told the outlet.

Smith said he’s undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, calling it a relatively new treatment.

“I’ve really put my hand up to be a guinea pig. Plus the fact I don’t want to die and I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can,” he said.  “And 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,” he added.

Ian Smith.Don Arnold/WireImage

Don Arnold/WireImage

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Smith then got emotional thinking about his late wife Gail, who died in 2019 from cancer. He admitted that he lost a part of himself back then.

“That, really, I think if that hadn’t happened, I’d be a lot worse off now - but my life finished then,” the actor said.

“We’re all dying. But when you find out specifically when you’re going to die, you become a very different person,” he continued. “I’ve seen so many deaths. I’ve seen some good ones and I’ve seen bad ones. I’m hoping I’ll go the nice way.”

Smith first appeared onNeighboursin 1987 and was expected only for a few episodes. However, after quickly becoming a fan favorite, he continued to play Harold Bishop until 1991. Smith later returned to the soap from 1996-2009 and later made a few guest appearances in the years after.

Ian Smith.Sam Tabone/Getty

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“It isn’t just my last day onNeighbours, it’s my last day of work,” Smith told his castmates. “I’ve had the most privileged life …. we didn’t just make a soap, we made the best bloody soap there was to make. I have met the most beautiful people.”

“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,” added Jason Herbison, executive producer ofNeighbours. “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.”

source: people.com