Veteran actor Ian Smith, famed for his decades-long portrayal of Harold Bishop in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, has announced his retirement following a terminal cancer diagnosis. The 86-year-old actor shared this personal news in an interview with 10 News First, aired Monday. Smith, who has played the beloved character since 1987, filmed his final scenes and bid farewell to his colleagues on his last day of work.
During the interview, Smith disclosed he is battling pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. He candidly remarked, "I found out a few months back that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer and ... they expect me to die." His poignant words mark the end of an era for fans of the iconic series, which has been a staple of Australian television since 1985.
Neighbours producers announced Smith's departure on social media, expressing gratitude for his contributions. "Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street," stated the program's message. Network 10 praised Smith as "the heart and soul of the show," highlighting the decades of "joy, laughter, and inspiration" he has provided to global audiences. Although the series has captivated viewers in over 60 countries, it found its largest international fanbase in Britain. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
