The soap actor told fans he has been “defying the odds” despite doctors telling him he would die.
Smith first appeared in the Australian soap from 1987 to 1991, before later returning in 1996 and continuing until 2009.
In December 2024, Smith said he had been diagnosed with a rare disease known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.
Today marks the final day of production on our beloved Neighbours. As sad as this day may be, we can’t wait for you to see the amazing storylines that are about to unfold over the coming six months. Together we have been, and always will be, the perfect blend 💔 pic.twitter.com/pM8uM7PfDw
— Neighbours (@neighbours) July 11, 2025
Neighbours’ Ian Smith offers health update to fans
The actor confirmed that he’d undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and said he wanted “to stay alive with quality”.
He later said that he was “supposed to die in March” after sharing that his treatment had been working.
Now, Smith has spoken to the Herald Sun about his treatment, sharing: “[The cancer] has evened out and immunotherapy is keeping it there and my markers have been the same for the last three treatments”.
Adding: “[The medical team] don’t know why I have had this incredible result, they can’t tell me why I am not giving in to cancer.”
Although Smith has stepped back from Neighbours, he told the Herald Sun that he’s more determined to work than ever before: “I have said to some very smart people that I wanted to finish my career on the stage.
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“Wouldn’t it be nice if I got a small part in a stage play?”
Smith’s exit storyline aired in April and saw his character, Harold Bishop, move to Queensland to live with his family after an emotional farewell on Ramsay Street.
In his final scenes, Harold wandered into No.24 where he had lived with his wife Madge for many years.
