Neighbours star Ian Smith shares Christmas miracle following terminal cancer diagnosis

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More than a year after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, Ian Smith has shared encouraging news about his health.

Ian Smith, the 87-year-old actor best known for playing Harold Bishop on the recently cancelled soap opera Neighbours, has shared that he’s doing well despite previously being given a limited life expectancy and is looking forward to celebrating Christmas.

He admitted he’d been given a grim prognosis, expecting to pass away in March, but simply didn’t want to. He even said he hadn’t expected to make it to last Christmas, as he shared on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show.

‘Now I am here for this and I can see no reason why I am not here for the next Christmas!’

The experienced actor shared that his immunotherapy treatment was successful, and he’s excited to spend a peaceful Christmas break enjoying fishing.

He then provided some advice for fellow men who suspected they may have the disease. 

He believes the key to beating cancer is early detection. He urged men to overcome their reluctance and see a doctor for checkups, emphasizing that avoiding the doctor out of fear won’t help.

The key is to address it promptly. Dealing with it early allows you to move forward and enjoy the rest of your life.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I nearly cried when I heard! Ian said in August that his treatment is working! It’s actually slowed down the cancer and, even better, he’s hoping to get back to work! It means he’s got more time, you know? More time to create, more time to be Ian. I’m just so unbelievably happy for him!

He received a diagnosis of an aggressive type of lung cancer, specifically pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. Doctors initially said it was incurable.

He told the Herald Sun that his cancer has stabilized and is being controlled by immunotherapy, with his test results remaining consistent over the past three treatments.

The doctors are amazed by my recovery and can’t explain why the cancer isn’t progressing.

The positive news has revitalized Ian, giving him hope to potentially act again, perhaps in smaller parts or by doing voiceover work.

He shared that he’d love to end his career performing on stage, and even joked about hoping to land a small role in a play.

It really struck me when Ian shared that he’s lost some friends during his cancer battle. It’s tough to hear, but he was honest about how not everyone has been there for him through it all. It just shows how challenging this journey has been, not just physically, but emotionally too.

He admitted he was confused, saying he didn’t need their affection, just wished they would remain as they had been before, according to an interview with The Morning Show.

It’s really odd, but people are actually turning their backs and walking away from me, and I have no idea why. I just wish they would explain what’s going on.

Ian added that he is doing well in terms of his health and has so far defied the odds. 

‘I get a bit nauseous sometimes, but that’s not much,’ he said of how he’s feeling physically. 

‘I was supposed to die last month… I’ve possibly never felt better,’ Ian continued. 

Honestly, people are always commenting on my hair. They see it and immediately point it out, and I can just tell they’re envious. It’s just… so full and thick! I get it, though, it’s amazing hair!

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2025-12-16 02:52