In a poignant revelation that has touched the hearts of fans across Australia and beyond, Ian Smith, the cherished actor best known for his role as Harold Bishop on the iconic soap opera Neighbours, has shared his dying wish amidst a courageous battle with terminal cancer.
At the age of 86, Smith, whose character has been a fixture in the living rooms of countless viewers, disclosed his diagnosis of pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, last December. Despite the gravity of his condition, Smith’s spirit remains indomitable.
‘I’ve got cancer, yes, I’m going to die soon but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good,’ he stated with a resilience that has characterised his approach to this formidable challenge.
Smith’s enduring optimism is evident in his bucket list, which includes a desire that speaks to his forward-thinking nature and zest for life. ‘I’m now thinking of buying a new car. That’s not what you do if you’re going to die in March,’ he shared with a touch of his trademark humour.
His goal is to own an electric car before he passes. Recounting a conversation with a salesman, Smith’s ability to find humour in the face of adversity shines through.
‘I’m determined to have an electric car before I die. And I was speaking to a salesman. I said, “Now, what about the delivery? Can you get to me before I’m dead?” And he was so shocked! I said, “Come on, let’s have a giggle”,’ he recalled.
The news that he would outlive his original prognosis arrived just before Christmas, offering a glimmer of hope and a second chance at life.
‘I took the second chance and I had to say to myself, “What are you going to do with it?”,’ he pondered, rejecting the notion of self-pity. Smith is determined to make the most of the time he has left, however uncertain it may be.
In January, Smith shared encouraging news that his cancerous tumour had shrunk significantly after undergoing three rounds of treatment, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
‘I’ve gone from a threat of dying this coming March to maybe a few more months… and now, God, who knows? It’s not a cure and it won’t be a cure, but I certainly have got a year, maybe two. That’s amazing. It really is,’ he expressed with a sense of wonder and gratitude.
Smith’s legacy as Harold Bishop is not only etched in the annals of Australian television history but also in the hearts of those who grew up watching Neighbours. His portrayal of the loveable and sometimes quirky character earned him a spot among the best local television characters of the last 60 years.
Reflecting on this honour, Smith hoped that Harold’s legacy would inspire positive family relationships: ‘If I can grab that and turn it into something where I can say “go and hug your father”—I never hugged my father, I only kissed him for the first time 10 minutes after he died.’
As Ian Smith faces his twilight with a mix of humour, courage, and introspection, his fans and colleagues are reminded of the indelible mark he has left on the world of entertainment.
We at YourLifeChoices send our heartfelt wishes to Ian Smith and his loved ones during this challenging time. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for hope and joy, even in the face of life’s most difficult trials.
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Also read: Ian Smith’s incredible health turnaround: Beating the odds at 86
