Veteran actor Ian Smith, known to millions as Neighbours icon Harold Bishop, has made a heartbreaking admission amid his terminal cancer diagnosis as he ‘ defies the odds ‘
After bidding a poignant farewell to Neighbours just weeks ago, 86-year-old Aussie television legend Ian Smith has made a surprising public appearance – this time, in support of a political cause close to his heart.
In a heartfelt campaign video shared by Independent MP Zoe Daniel, the former soap star, who portrayed the beloved Harold Bishop, can be seen at an early voting centre, speaking candidly with Daniel about his hopes for the future and the urgency he feels in making his final vote matter.
“I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last vote, so you may as well make it count”, Smith tells the 52-year-old politician with a bittersweet smile, before adding with his trademark dry humour: “So if you get in and don’t do what you said, then I am never going to talk to you again”.
Smith, who is currently battling terminal cancer, said he was drawn to Daniel’s platform, which focuses on cost-of-living reform, environmental responsibility, and gender equity – issues he believes are critical to Australia’s future.
“You’re so needed… That’s the only word nobody has used. This person’s beliefs are needed. Please do it”, he implores.
This appearance comes not long after Smith’s emotional final performance on Neighbours, in which Harold Bishop said goodbye to Ramsay Street in a scene that left viewers deeply moved.
As the iconic character prepared to leave Erinsborough for good to join his granddaughter in Queensland, Harold reflected on his journey: “Interesting is one word for it, privileged I think is better. I ended up making the best possible friends a man could ever have… this has been more than a street to me. You’ve been more than neighbours. My life has been enriched by every one of you. You are always in my heart. Always”.
The episode marked the end of an era, and devoted fans took to social media to mourn the departure of one of the soap’s most cherished characters. “Harold… Ian Smith… the legend. Feels like I’m losing a family member after seeing you leave. 40 years have been wonderful. One passionate fan wrote, “I wish you all the best of luck and love.”
Few people could have anticipated the real-life health story of Smith’s off-screen turn. The actor was told by doctors that he had only weeks to live after being diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer, late last year. He now defies expectations, however, thanks to a ground-breaking immunotherapy treatment.
I was scheduled to pass away in March. I didn’t. So I’m here to discuss my recent death from last month, Smith said in a recent interview with The Project. “My doctors keep telling me I have cancer,” I’m aware of that fact. That is the only way I am aware of. I don’t experience any pain or anything like that.
He joked that the experimental therapy made him feel like a new person, making him feel like a “guinea pig.” Smith now asserts that despite all odds, he still wants to have “a year, maybe two” of uninterrupted time to enjoy life and continue to make his voice heard.
For more information or support about cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.
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Source: Mirror
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