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Ian Smith’s ‘Miracle’ Recovery: How He Defied Terminal Cancer and Gained Curly Hair!

BBG News

Neighbours royalty Ian Smith has provided a health update following his shock cancer diagnosis.

On Wednesday, the cherished Australian actor, now 86 years old, made an appearance on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show and shared with the hosts that he was reacting positively to his cancer therapy.

Smith shared, “I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. The doctors confirmed it. Aside from that, I don’t feel any discomfort. Initially, I was expected to pass away in March.

‘I am having the easiest ride, seriously!’ 

He then revealed the unusual side effect he was experiencing from the ongoing cancer treatment.

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‘I’ve possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says, “Look at your hair!”,’ he added.

‘Everyone is envious because I have so much hair. Previously, I underwent treatment that caused me to lose my hair, leaving me completely bald. However, after trying immunotherapy, I grew a full head of hair – not just any hair, but curly hair!’

In the month of December, Smith received a diagnosis of an uncommon, aggressive type of lung cancer known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. Initially, the doctors informed him that it seemed to be beyond repair.

Following the implementation of an innovative treatment regimen, humorously referred to by him as a “guinea pig” experiment, he has surpassed predictions and is optimistically aiming for an additional “year, perhaps even two.

‘I want to go forever,’ he said, beaming. 

‘I don’t want to play Harold anymore, but I don’t want to stop acting.’

Viewers nationwide were moved to tears as Smith bid farewell to his character, who announced plans to relocate to Port Douglas, Queensland, in a touching goodbye scene.

The actor found it profoundly moving to shoot the final episodes, particularly since he was among his fellow actors, whom he referred to as more than just colleagues – they were like family to him.

‘I love them all dearly,’ he said. 

1987 marked the debut of the seasoned actor slipping into Harold’s role, subsequently transforming into one of Neighbours’ best recognized personalities. He was admired for his sincere appeal, gradual love stories, and numerous vanishings.

In reality, Smith is penning an astonishingly dramatic comeback tale that would put any daytime soap opera in the shade. Although his time as Harold might have passed, the fellow with the distinctive mustache still has unfinished business.

‘I’m not cured,’ he said frankly. 

‘But I’m here. And I feel fine.’

Smith is demonstrating that neither age nor sickness can quell the indomitable Australian spirit, as he pushes past the boundaries of death and eagerly anticipates his next acting opportunity.

‘I’ve been reborn,’ he said. ‘And I’ve still got stories to tell.’

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, I found myself sharing an extraordinary tale. You see, back in March of this year, I was given a grim prognosis, one that pointed to the inevitable – my days were numbered. But here I am today, bucking those odds and standing as a testament to resilience and the power of hope.

He shared that he has cancer, and although it’s expected he won’t live much longer, he appears to be beating the statistics, which is encouraging for him.

In January, he shared with TV Week that his cancerous growth was diminishing following three sessions of treatment, which consisted of both immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

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2025-05-21 07:07

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