S Poddar
Ian Smith, best known for his role as Harold Bishop on the Australian soap Neighbours, has announced he is leaving the show after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 86-year-old actor told Australia’s 10 News First he has pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.
“I found out a few months ago that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer, and they expect me to die,” he said candidly.
One of Neighbours longest running players, Smith’s character, Harold Bishop since joining the show in 1987 will be leaving at the end of the year, leaving fans of the long running program in tears. Actress Anne Charleston, who played Harold’s iconic love interest Madge will appear in some of his last episodes on the show.
Embracing Treatment with Hope
Discussing his health journey, Smith explained he had undergone three rounds of treatment, including immunotherapy—a newer medical approach aimed at boosting the immune system to fight cancer.
“I really put my hand up, I think just to be a guinea pig, plus the fact I don’t want to die. I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can—and if they can do that, I’m very happy,” he shared.
Despite his optimism, Smith acknowledged that the road ahead would be tough. “I wake up every morning hoping there’s no pain, because I know that’s the beginning of the bad part,” he said.
His openness about the challenges of having a terminal illness has resonated with fans, many of whom have expressed their appreciation and thanks for his years of dedication to the show.
A Farewell to Ramsay Street
The Neighbours team announced Smith’s departure in a heartfelt post on their official social media account, describing Harold Bishop as one of the show’s most treasured characters.
“Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street,” the post read. “We’re sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop. Ian first played Harold in 1987, and it’s been a huge privilege to welcome him back to the show over the years.”
The soap teased fans with a nod toward the return of Madge played by Anne Charleston adding, “In what context Anne will appear is yet to be revealed—but to have the iconic couple reunited will be one final treat for fans. Erinsborough won’t quite be the same again—but rest assured that Harold is set to have a send-off fit for Ramsay Street royalty.”
Caring for Someone Dealing with a Loss
Smith also spoke about his wife Gail’s death of cancer in 2019, saying that her dying had profoundly changed his whole view of life and mortality.
“That, really, I think if that hadn’t happened, I’d be a lot worse off now—but my life finished then,” he said.
He spoke poignantly about witnessing different kinds of deaths over the years. “I’ve seen some good ones, and I’ve seen bad ones—and I’m hoping I’ll go the nice way,” he added.
Harold Bishop’s Legacy
Smith started his Neighbours journey in 1987 when he came in as Harold, one of Madge’s former lovers. The character was only meant for a few episodes but enjoyed a longer stay on the soap because of its immense popularity.
From 1991, it is through his dramatic disappearance in being swept out to sea on holiday and his unexpected return in 1996, the public was thrilled that this made him a leading figure in the soap.
Smith has stayed with Neighbours until 2009. However, in the following years, he did pop up as a guest actor several times. Full-time return in 2023 had a very nostalgic value for the loyal followers of the soap.
As Smith prepares to step away from the screen, the enduring impact of his work and the character of Harold Bishop remains undeniable. Fans around the world will undoubtedly cherish the memories he helped create over decades of storytelling.
Although his time on Ramsay Street is coming to an end, Smith’s legacy as one of Australia’s most loved television icons will live on. His strength in facing his diagnosis and his determination to live life on his terms continues to inspire those who have followed his journey.
