Neighbours star Ian Smith has opened up about his terminal lung cancer diagnosis and how lucky he is to be alive after being given only six months to live.
“It feels surreal. It was September 2024 that I was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, an extremely rare type of aggressive lung cancer,” he said in an interview with Woman’s Day.
“I was given six months to live, meaning I expected to be gone by March 2025, and I was prepared for that,” he continued.
“But I’m still here… and it’s bloody great to be alive,” the actor said at a recent Prisoner reunion event in Melbourne.
Smith admitted that “cancer has upended my life in so many ways,” especially after both of his adoptive parents, biological mother and wife of 50 years, all died of cancer as well.
“My wife of 50 years, Gail, died of pancreatic cancer in 2019. When my oncologist gave me six months to live, I felt numb,” he recalled.
“It was a lot to take in.”
Smith had since undergone immunotherapy, and while he is not in remission, his doctor has said the cancer has stabilised.
The actor, who played Harold (Harry) Bishop in Neighbours, was later joined by his former co-star and TV wife Anne Charleston, who played Madge on the show.
Charleston, who has played several characters in Prisoner appeared as a guest star at the event, sharing that she was thrilled to be there for her “dear friend Smithy”.
The duo have developed a strong bond, with Smith praising Charleston for her support during these tough times.
“I adore Anne so much. We had a ball playing Harold and Madge, which we did for over 20 years. She’s been a real rock during these tough times,” he said.
Charleston agreed and said that, if given the opportunity, she would work with him again “in a flash”.
“I was devastated when he told me he had months to live,” she said.
“But, ever the trouper, nothing will keep Smithy down, not even cancer.”
It has been over 60 years since Smith’s TV debut for Macbeth. He also played in some of Australia’s biggest TV shows including Matlock Police, Division 4, Bluey (1976) and Glenview High.
In 1987 he landed the role of Harold on Neighbours, and what was initially supposed to be a five-week stint, has become an unforgettable experience spanning decades.
“I’m feeling in such a great place now, I’d love to get back to work on stage or screen. I am definitely not retired. I’d also love to do some TV commercials,” he said.
“The thing is, actors have to act. It’s not about ego… it’s about that yen to keep playing ‘cowboys and Indians’.”
Image: The Morning Show/ Seven
