‘I’m not going to mope around’: TV favourite refuses to give in to terminal diagnosis
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Battling a serious illness can be a profound and life-changing experience, especially when the prognosis is uncertain.
For one beloved Australian TV star, what began as devastating news has since taken an unexpected turn.
As he faces this new chapter, his outlook on life—and even his bucket list—has shifted in ways that may surprise you.
Veteran Neighbours star Ian Smith opened up about his battle with terminal cancer, revealing his determination to embrace life despite the grim prognosis.
The 86-year-old actor, known for his role as Harold Bishop, shared in December that he had been diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
In an interview, Ian revealed that he had initially been given only a few months to live, with doctors predicting he would not survive past March.
‘I’ve got cancer, yes, I’m going to die soon but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good,’ he said.
Despite the diagnosis, Ian remained focused on enjoying life and even had plans to make a new purchase.
‘I’m now thinking of buying a new car. That’s not what you do if you’re going to die in March,’ he added.
His outlook shifted after receiving positive news about his condition just before Christmas.
He shared: ‘I took the second chance and I had to say to myself, “What are you going to do with it?” I’m still not sure I’ve worked out the answer to that but I’m certainly not going to mope around.’
Ian explained that his treatment had led to significant changes in his tumour, extending his life expectancy beyond what was originally predicted.
He continued: ‘I did a PET scan and the words, I believe, were “significant metabolic change, significant shrinkage of tumour.” 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.’
Throughout his career, Ian became one of Australian television’s most beloved figures, playing Harold Bishop on Neighbours for decades.
His character was so iconic that in 2016, Herald Sun ranked him 12th among the greatest Australian TV characters of the past 60 years, placing him between Kath & Kim’s Sharon Strzelecki and Home and Away’s Bobby Simpson.
Reflecting on the character’s legacy, Ian previously said in 2017 that he was proud of how Harold resonated with audiences.
‘I’m a little proud of myself,’ he said.
‘He’s a silly old fart but there’s something in Harold that everyone likes. It’s like the young kids come up to me and say, “You’re like my granddad” or “You’re just like my father.” 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.’
Ian also witnessed the rise of many young stars who launched their careers through Neighbours , including Delta Goodrem, Margot Robbie and Kylie Minogue.
Here’s Kylie’s first appearance on the show.
He admitted that while he had always believed Kylie would be successful, he was shocked at just how far some of his co-stars had gone.
He said: ‘I’ve had to hang my head in shame on a few occasions as I had no idea certain actors would go on to be so huge. I always knew Kylie was going to be a great success. I just didn’t know how big. I remember seeing her in the green room on the phone talking to someone who wanted her to stand behind a product. The way she handled that conversation was just outstanding. She could’ve given lessons in it and I thought, “You’re going to go far.”’
One of the biggest surprises, he said, was Guy Pearce.
‘I’d always pegged him as just a competent young actor not the huge Hollywood star he is today. I remember my jaw dropped when I saw him in Priscilla,’ he said.
Ian stepped away from his long-running role on Neighbours last year as he focused on his health.
Even as he faced a terminal diagnosis, he kept his trademark humour, joking about his goal of owning an electric car.
He joked: ‘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.”’
Ian’s time on Neighbours left a lasting impact, with his character Harold Bishop becoming one of the most beloved figures in Australian television.
Take a look back at some of Harold’s most unforgettable moments in this video.
Ian’s journey has been filled with unexpected turns, but his positive outlook remains unwavering. If you were given a second chance, what is the first thing you would do?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
For one beloved Australian TV star, what began as devastating news has since taken an unexpected turn.
As he faces this new chapter, his outlook on life—and even his bucket list—has shifted in ways that may surprise you.
Veteran Neighbours star Ian Smith opened up about his battle with terminal cancer, revealing his determination to embrace life despite the grim prognosis.
The 86-year-old actor, known for his role as Harold Bishop, shared in December that he had been diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
In an interview, Ian revealed that he had initially been given only a few months to live, with doctors predicting he would not survive past March.
Neighbours legend Ian Smith defies terminal diagnosis. Image source: Fremantle Media
‘I’ve got cancer, yes, I’m going to die soon but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good,’ he said.
Despite the diagnosis, Ian remained focused on enjoying life and even had plans to make a new purchase.
‘I’m now thinking of buying a new car. That’s not what you do if you’re going to die in March,’ he added.
His outlook shifted after receiving positive news about his condition just before Christmas.
He shared: ‘I took the second chance and I had to say to myself, “What are you going to do with it?” I’m still not sure I’ve worked out the answer to that but I’m certainly not going to mope around.’
Ian explained that his treatment had led to significant changes in his tumour, extending his life expectancy beyond what was originally predicted.
He continued: ‘I did a PET scan and the words, I believe, were “significant metabolic change, significant shrinkage of tumour.” 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.’
Throughout his career, Ian became one of Australian television’s most beloved figures, playing Harold Bishop on Neighbours for decades.
His character was so iconic that in 2016, Herald Sun ranked him 12th among the greatest Australian TV characters of the past 60 years, placing him between Kath & Kim’s Sharon Strzelecki and Home and Away’s Bobby Simpson.
Reflecting on the character’s legacy, Ian previously said in 2017 that he was proud of how Harold resonated with audiences.
‘I’m a little proud of myself,’ he said.
‘He’s a silly old fart but there’s something in Harold that everyone likes. It’s like the young kids come up to me and say, “You’re like my granddad” or “You’re just like my father.” 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.’
Ian also witnessed the rise of many young stars who launched their careers through Neighbours , including Delta Goodrem, Margot Robbie and Kylie Minogue.
Here’s Kylie’s first appearance on the show.
He admitted that while he had always believed Kylie would be successful, he was shocked at just how far some of his co-stars had gone.
He said: ‘I’ve had to hang my head in shame on a few occasions as I had no idea certain actors would go on to be so huge. I always knew Kylie was going to be a great success. I just didn’t know how big. I remember seeing her in the green room on the phone talking to someone who wanted her to stand behind a product. The way she handled that conversation was just outstanding. She could’ve given lessons in it and I thought, “You’re going to go far.”’
One of the biggest surprises, he said, was Guy Pearce.
‘I’d always pegged him as just a competent young actor not the huge Hollywood star he is today. I remember my jaw dropped when I saw him in Priscilla,’ he said.
Ian stepped away from his long-running role on Neighbours last year as he focused on his health.
Even as he faced a terminal diagnosis, he kept his trademark humour, joking about his goal of owning an electric car.
He joked: ‘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.”’
Ian’s time on Neighbours left a lasting impact, with his character Harold Bishop becoming one of the most beloved figures in Australian television.
Take a look back at some of Harold’s most unforgettable moments in this video.
Ian’s journey has been filled with unexpected turns, but his positive outlook remains unwavering. If you were given a second chance, what is the first thing you would do?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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